Alabama Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2021 season

The Rebels have given the Crimson Tide fits the last two seasons. Though the Rebels have not won either game, they’ve been pesky against Alabama. The Rebels racked up 647 total yards against Alabama last season and 477 total yards in 2019.

Many of the pieces from those teams are back in Oxford, but so is the Rebels horrid defense. Though Alabama surrendered over 1,000 total yards in those two games, the Mississippi defense gave up 575 and 723 yards, respectively, the same two seasons.

Most important, the Crimson Tide won both games. Mississippi might have another good day offensively and give Alabama all types of headaches, but Alabama gets it done where it counts, in the win column.

Final score: Alabama 56, Ole Miss 42 (5-0, 2-0)

This is the closest game the Crimson Tide has to a toss-up. The Texas A&M Aggies have it where it counts. They are big, physical, and ornery in the trenches. A&M might have the best offensive/defensive line combination in the country. Behind that offensive line, the Aggies are three deep at running back.

Behind the defensive line, the Aggies are solid and experienced at linebacker and in the secondary. Head coach Jimbo Fisher wants to play ball control and limit Alabama’s possessions. Where the Aggies fall short is at quarterback and wide receiver.

Though Texas A&M keeps this one relatively low-scoring, they do not have enough offense to win the game.

Final score: Alabama 31, Texas A&M 17 (6-0, 3-0)