Last season, the Alabama Crimson Tide went into Oxford as the No.1 ranked team in the country and the Ole Miss Rebels promptly beat them on primetime television, stormed the field and took down the goal post. That game did not sit well with the Tide and the rematch has likely been marked on their calendar for a full year. The hype surrounding this matchup has not changed as Ole Miss brings the most efficient offensive into Tuscaloosa against the No.2 ranked Tide.
In the SEC West, every game is a must-win as a majority of the opponents are all ranked. With both teams aiming for the playoffs, a loss in Week 3 could end their hopes very early. The stakes are high between the two teams as Alabama has revenge on their mind. Revenge games tend to work in Nick Saban's favor. Only LSU has upset the Tide twice in a row, but Ole Miss is aiming to repeat that on Saturday.
Mississippi has been setting records behind transfer quarterback Chad Kelly. Despite not having offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil who is in the midst of an NCAA investigation, the Rebels have put up 73 points in back-to-back games while beating both UT Martin and Fresno State. While those are not exactly football powerhouse teams, the Rebels showed they have the talent to repeat that success in the SEC. The one thing going against them is their history in Tuscaloosa. The Rebels have lost in their last 12 visits to Alabama, but this is a much different team coming to town.
One player looking to have a big game against Ole Miss is Kenyon Drake. The running back suffered a season-ending broken leg against the Rebels last season. It was a gruesome injury that put a cloud over the entire game. Now healthy, Drake has been on fire in the first two games of the season. Alongside Derrick Henry, Drake is thriving and is aiming for some big numbers on Saturday.
While Ole Miss has plenty of confidence in Kelly at quarterback, the Tide do not have that same certainty. Both Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman struggled heavily in the team's win last week as they each recorded interceptions. The passing game was not as on point as it was against Wisconsin which could be the biggest x-factor on Saturday. If the Rebels can slow down the Tide's run game, Alabama might be out of offensive answers.
