Alabama Football: Crimson Tide end Ole Miss’ rivalry dreams

1. Alabama’s defense passed its first test

Going into this game, Alabama’s defense had looked dominant against Louisville, who has since benched Jawon Pass in favor of backup Malik Cunningham, and an Arkansas State offense that isn’t quite firing the ball around like they did a season ago.

But we have seen Jordan Ta’amu play at his best. Ta’amu came in after the unexpected injury of Shea Patterson and practically made the offense better all around. Going into their home matchup against the Tide, Mississippi ranked No. 2 nationally in passing offense and had one of the best receiving corps in college football in D.K. Metcalf, DeMarkus Lodge, and Biletnikoff Award Watch List receiver AJ Brown.

Jordan Ta’amu’s stat line against a reloaded Alabama secondary was obnoxious. Ta’amu completed seven total passes on 22 total attempts for 133 yards (6.0 yards per attempt) for one touchdown and two interceptions. Ta’amu’s career yards per attempt is just over 10 and this game proved to be the worst game of his career from an accuracy standpoint.

If this doesn’t prove to be a fluke later on in the season, Alabama might have just as great a defense this season as they did in the past several seasons on teams with several NFL Players.