Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Ole Miss

1. Alabama had the better game plan

Lane Kiffin and the Rebels have to out scheme most of the teams they play since they are at a talent disadvantage. That is especially true when they play against Alabama. Kiffin and the Rebels turned last season’s game into a shootout.

This season, the Alabama coaching staff was ready for what Kiffin and the Rebels wanted to do on offense. The most important aspect of the Crimson Tide’s scheme was winning on the line of scrimmage.

Alabama won up front on both sides of the ball. The Crimson Tide sacked Matt Corral twice and pressured him on a number of other occasions. Corral, who is mobile but not a runner, never got comfortable in the pocket.

Ole Miss deep threat wide receiver Jonathan Mingo on the sidelines in a boot did not help the matter. Corral and the Rebels’ passing game averaged 7.5 yards per attempt nearly three yards less than their season average.

The offensive game plan also involved winning the line of scrimmage. The Crimson Tide won in the trenches for the most part. Bill O’Brien and the offensive coaching staff should be pleased with the line’s performance, though Bryce Young did face some pressure in the game.

Alabama’s physicality and depth were just too much for Ole Miss.