A big matchup is making its way to Tuscaloosa, and the No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels are looking to shock Tide faithful and the college football world on Saturday when they make the 160+ mile trek from Oxford to Tuscaloosa to take on the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide.
With an offense as fast and ferocious as the Rebels’ defense, it’s important to get them out of their way early and make them play from behind. Ole Miss owns the top spot in the FBS when it comes to offensive yards per game, averaging 635.3.
Saban made mention of this Thursday night on his weekly radio show, pointing out that an offense putting up even half of that number would have a good day.
He has talked all week in various appearances about how loud he wants Bryant-Denny Stadium to be on Saturday, and we know all too well that he has never cared to give directives to the faithful. Remember when he asked the students to stay for entire games?
In the most recent instance, which was Thursday night on his weekly radio show, Saban again reiterated his request and also explained why it’s so important for the crowd to be noisy during the game.
“These tempo teams that try to go fast, basically what they’re trying to do is dictate the game,” Saban said. “They’re trying to get the other team out of sorts. They’re trying to get the other team to make mental mistakes because they can’t get lined up.”
The reasoning is clear and concise, a loud stadium will provide a difficult environment for the offense to be able to get set up quickly, call in plays and hear the snap count.
“The crowd can have an impact on the game,” Saban said. “It makes it more difficult for their offense to check. It affects their cadence if there’s a lot of noise, but this has to be something that is relentless and every play. It can’t be every now and then.
“You’ve got to make every play in the game tough for the quarterback.”
Ole Miss has yet to be tested in a remarkably hostile environment, they have played two home games against clearly under-matched opponents and a neutral site contest against Louisville. That lack of a true road test is part of the reason why Saban believes it’s important for the supporters to show up and show out, making as much noise as possible.
With the type of offense the Crimson Tide defense is going up against, it’s going to need all of the help it can get, and if you’re going to be in attendance on Saturday, you’ll be able to help!
You can catch the game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 12 Ole Miss on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. CT if you’ll be in attendance.
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