Multiple Ole Miss players talked all offseason on how this team expects to beat Alabama. Those words became action in the first half on Saturday, as the Rebels take a 24-17 lead in the halftime.
Chad Kelly completed nine of 13 passes for 167 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown strike to tight end Evan Engram in the second quarter. It didn’t run the ball much in the first half, but Akeem Judd did register a 23-yard touchdown with 13:07 remaining in the first quarter.
Defensively, Ole Miss has frustrated true freshman Jalen Hurts.
He’s been hurried twice, while being drilled by linebacker Marquis Haynes for a sack. A.J. Moore leads the Rebels with six tackles, with Terry Caldwell and two others (DeMarquis Gates, Tony Conner) both had four.
After a solid game plan against Southern California, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is struggling to find balance for the Tide. Mississippi has out gained Alabama 243-205, with much of it coming from Kelly.
Penalties were an issue for Nick Saban’s group, Alabama’s offensive line had four false starts.
In spite of all issues, Alabama only finds itself down seven at halftime. Huge touchdowns from wide receiver Calvin Ridley and safety Eddie Jackson (85-yard punt return) helped the Tide erase a 24-3 deficit.
It receives the ball to start the second half, but Alabama must find balance.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
