Alabama vs Ole Miss: Preview, prediction, live stream and more

One of the most entertaining SEC West matchups returns as Ole Miss heads into Tuscaloosa to face undefeated Alabama. Here is our preview of the matchup.

The Crimson Tide haven’t skipped a beat so far this season, dominating everyone in their path. Of course besides Florida State, they haven’t played much of anyone with a real defense. However, if the past is any indication that means literally nothing. They will continue to dominate and find themselves back in the championship game I’m sure, but let’s take this one week at a time.

Alabama has a strong defense, a power running game, an experienced quarterback- honestly they have very few flaws. That means they are basically Ole Miss’ worst nightmare coming off a loss to Cal in which their offense basically folded halfway through the game.

Offense is Ole Miss’ strong suit for sure. Quarterback Shea Patterson is already well over 1,000 passing yards for the season and has found the end zone, but he couldn’t seem to do it against Cal — a team that isn’t well known for defense.

If Ole Miss wants a chance against Alabama, Patterson will have to have his best game to date. Their defense will have to also have a career game as a unit, trying to stop every weapon that Alabama has. Good luck with that Rebs.

This game has recently been a crazy and close one, though I don’t see that happening this season. Alabama has too much offense and Ole Miss just doesn’t have enough defense.

Here is how you can watch Saturday’s Alabama vs Ole Miss matchup:

Date: Saturday Sept. 30
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Venue: Bryant-Denny Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

If Ole Miss wants any chance to beat the Tide, they have to execute on both sides of the ball. Shea Patterson will need to find his weapons, namely AJ Brown, early and often. They will have to fight off the physical, talented Alabama defense and find a defense of that kind in themselves. Seems like a tall order for the Rebels this season, especially for a team that honestly has no off season to play for.

For Alabama, it’s just another day at the office. As a night game in Tuscaloosa, this one will be loud and crazy. The Tide has to disrupt Shea Patterson early and often, which will turn into big numbers in the sack and tackles for loss column. Jalen Hurts will just have to do what he does, get the ball to anyone who can find the end zone, often.

Prediction

This game has been wild the last few seasons, but I don’t expect to see much this year. Alabama will be dominant early and often, putting the game out of reach for Shea Patterson and his dynamic offense. Alabama simply put has too many weapons for the Ole Miss defense to cover.

Next: Complete first round 2018 NFL Mock Draft after Week 4

That isn’t to say that Patterson isn’t talented and capable of putting up big numbers — I just don’t see it happening against Alabama this season. As much as I hope I’m wrong, I just don’t see it.

Final Score: Alabama 42, Ole Miss 14