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

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Sep 12, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defenders celebrate with Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ronnie Harrison (15) after he blocked a punt against Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss at Alabama: Prediction

Much has been made this week of Nick Saban’s 9-1 record in “revenge games” since he took over as the head coach at Alabama. But this game isn’t about revenge, or the head coaches. It will be decided by players, and which ones make the most big plays: A sack that forces a fumble. An interception. A broken tackle by a running back, who then outruns the defense to the end zone.

If Tunsil doesn’t play Saturday, the Alabama defense is likely to make life very difficult for Chad Kelly. The Alabama roster is packed full of former five-star recruits and future NFL players, many of them on defense. Without the All-American caliber left tackle, expect the Tide to be able to rush the passer effectively. Kelly is athletic enough to scramble to buy time and pick up yards with his feet, but Alabama’s ball-hawking secondary is an even match for the Rebels receivers. Ole Miss will score a big play or two, but so will the Tide defense.

Similarly, the Ole Miss defensive line will pose a huge challenge for the Crimson Tide up front. If Alabama relies too heavily on the pass, the Rebels will have a field day. Therefore, expect the Tide to lean on Heisman Trophy candidate Derrick Henry, who has 243 rushing yards and six touchdowns so far this season, to help ease Coker into action Saturday against the tenacious Ole Miss defense.

By pounding the 241-pound junior, Alabama will also set up the playaction pass – especially if the Rebels’ star safeties Tony Conner and Trae Elston are creeping too close to the line of scrimmage – which gives Alabama the best chance of a big play. Should Coker connect with Robert Foster, ArDarius Stewart or Calvin Ridley on a deep ball, it could be just enough for an Alabama victory.

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