Remember when Ole Miss vs. Alabama was one of the SEC West's budding rivalries? My, how things have changed. Alabama has solidified its place atop the division's pecking order, while Ole Miss failed to make a bowl game, let its coach go amid scandal and is a shell of its former self.
Ole Miss has had two weeks to prepare after suffering its first loss of the season at Cal in Week 3, while top-ranked Alabama is fresh off a 59-0 drubbing at Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide are a 27.5-point favorite over the Rebels.
Viewing information
Date: Saturday, Sept. 30 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium -- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
TV: ESPN | Live stream: WatchESPN
Storylines
Ole Miss: The Rebels boast one of the more entertaining offenses in the country, with quarterback Shea Patterson and a deep and versatile group of wide receivers that's averaging a whopping 7.53 yards per play -- the top mark in the SEC. But can they stop anybody? The linebacking corps will have its hands full slowing down Alabama's multi-dimensional rushing attack that features three top-tier running backs along with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Alabama: Even though Ole Miss isn't the threat it once was, based on how Alabama looked against Vanderbilt, there's no way that coach Nick Saban will allow his crew to take the Rebels lightly. The trio of Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough and Najee Harris is terrifying, and the front seven has been simply dominant this year. It'd be nice to see Alabama expand the passing game a bit more with Hurts, and they might get the chance against coach Matt Luke's crew.
Prediction
There's absolutely no way Ole Miss will slow down this Crimson Tide rushing attack early, which will be the primary reason the Tide will control it from the outset. The question will then shift toward the Las Vegas line, and whether Alabama experiments with its starters and if those experiments work. Some will, some won't and then the Crimson Tide's reserves will get the chance to go up against a Rebels team that might leave their starters in a little bit longer just to get them some work. Because of that, this will be an Alabama romp that features a late Rebel backdoor cover. Pick: Rebels +27.5
