Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Ole Miss

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Oct 2, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) is sacked by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Alabama’s defense is the real deal

The Ole Miss Rebels amassed nearly 700 yards of offense and scored 48 points in last season’s game. Nick Saban and Alabama’s defensive staff had an entire year to let the game stick in their craw and make adjustments to Lane Kiffin’s offense.

This season was the complete opposite. Saban did not attempt to rotate and substitute defensively, which got the Crimson Tide in trouble last season. One of the most important things that Alabama did to Ole Miss’ offense was keeping them off schedule.

Ole Miss loves running tempo on specific downs, distances, and situations. Specifically, second down and less than five yards. Alabama kept Ole Miss in second down and seven or more yards most of the afternoon.

As a result, Ole Miss could not use their tempo most of the game. Also, Alabama did a great job against Ole Miss’ run game. The interior of Alabama’s defensive line did a great job against the Rebels drawn and inside zone runs.

Most important, the Rebels converted just two of five fourth downs in the game. Two of those failed conversions put the Crimson Tide offense in plus territory, and Alabama scored touchdowns each time Ole Miss failed on those conversions.

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