The first half for the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Ole Miss Rebels started out as bad as it could when sophomore receiver ArDarius Stewart fumbled the opening kickoff to give the Rebels excellent field position and an early 3-0 lead.
The most interesting and intriguing news was Nick Saban‘s decision to start redshirt sophomore Cooper Bateman for his first career start against a tough opponent such as the Rebels — and it just so happens to be their SEC home opener.
The indecision by Saban has been noted, and his inability to choose a starting quarterback sooner is shaping up to be a disaster for the Tide as neither quarterback appears capable of leading the team the way it needs to be led.
Not only has the quarterback play been shaky, the special teams has been abysmal — primarily the return game, which yielded two turnovers leading to 10 points by the Rebels. Adding insult to injury has been some questionable play-calling by offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin who so far has called a wide receiver sweep inside the 5-yard line as well as a failed wide receiver pass that went for a loss.
If Alabama wants to win this game, they’ll need some consistency and stability in all phases. Jake Coker entered the game late in the second quarter and will more than likely finish the contest for the Tide. If he can find a rhythm, he has the skill set to lead the Tide to victory with the elite arm he possesses. If not, Alabama will drop their second-straight loss to the Rebels in as many years.
Brandon Williams is an Editor and Columnist for Touchdown Alabama. You can follow him on Twitter, @BWilliamsTDAL, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
