Ole Miss at Alabama Preview: Three most important matchups to watch

Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) prepares to block TCU Horned Frogs defensive tackle Terrell Lathan (90) during the first quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Laremy Tunsil vs. the NCAA

We’d rather focus on the game on the field, but because he’s one of the best offensive linemen in the nation, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of the ongoing NCAA investigation involving Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound junior has missed the first two games this season because of precautionary measures, stemming from allegations made this summer about potential impermissible contact between Tunsil and agents.

As of Wednesday, when head coach Hugh Freeze spoke on the weekly conference call with league media, the situation had yet to resolve itself.

Though it seems the Rebels aren’t counting on Tunsil’s services being available this week, he would be a major asset in their attempts to neutralize Alabama’s talented defense. Still, whether Tunsil plays or not won’t really alter the way Alabama prepares for the Ole Miss offense. 

"“I don’t know if he’s going to play or not going to play,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Sunday, according to John Talty of AL.com. “As for the defensive lineman what to study, it’s not going to change (Ole Miss’) scheme whether he plays or doesn’t play. It doesn’t change their plays; it doesn’t change who gets the ball. It doesn’t change the runs. It does change a little bit how an individual might play against him. So those individuals need to look at that, and if he plays, be ready for it.”"

Given his natural talent, Tunsil’s availability or absence could have a huge impact on the game. Without him against UT-Martin and Fresno State, the Rebels have shifted Fahn Cooper from his traditional right tackle spot and inserted redshirt freshman Shawn Rawlings on the right side.

That means Ole Miss is actually weaker at both tackle positions when Tunsil is forced to remain on the sideline – something that Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart are sure to take advantage of with the help of top-notch players like A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, Denzel Devall and Reuben Foster, as well as Jonathan Allen, who has two of Alabama’s three sacks so far this season.

Next: Ole Miss at Alabama: Prediction