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5 Teams who could beat Alabama in 2017

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Shea Patterson (20) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Shea Patterson (20) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ole Miss Rebels

The only team to beat Alabama twice in the last three years, Ole Miss will remain a dangerous opponent for the Tide, despite the Rebels rebuilding defense. The Rebels almost beat Alabama for a third straight season in 2016, but the Alabama defense made plays where the crumbling Ole Miss defense did not. Rebel quarterback Chad Kelly was a major reason for the win in 2015 and the competitive loss in 2016. The Rebels won’t have Kelly in 2017, but do return Shea Patterson who started the final three games of the season after Kelly went down with an ACL injury. Patterson has the arm and mobility to do to the Tide what Kelly did to them, and he should have a better offensive line and running game to go along with it. Not to mention the plethora of talent in the Rebels wide receiver corps.

The biggest thing going against Ole Miss is their defense. Head coach Hugh Freeze hired new defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff to lead the defense, along with linebackers coach Bradley Dale Peveto in the offseason. These new coaches will be tasked with turning around the nations 111th ranked defense. There is a lot of young talent in the secondary and veteran talent on the defensive line to be excited about but linebackers have to be developed. Without that, Ole Miss won’t stand a chance against the Tide ground game or Jalen Hurts. Should Ole Miss develop a better defense, they might be able to pull off the unthinkable once again.

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