The offense is always in front when people discuss the Mississippi Rebels.
Ole Miss has great strong quarterback play in the 2000s since Eli Manning and several talented players at running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Mississippi has another high-powered group under Lane Kiffin; however, it would not be wise to underestimate its defense.
The Rebels have improved under D.J. Durkin as he’s in his second season calling plays.
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As co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach, Durkin has brought an aggressiveness to Ole Miss. He’s produced Sam Williams, who has 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks in two years.
After allowing 38.3 points per game in 2020, Mississippi has cut production from opposition to 20.7 points/game. Durkin’s group has forced 13 turnovers, including six interceptions.
Ole Miss has 16 sacks in three games, averaging roughly two sacks per matchup.
Before it settled on Pete Golding for defensive coordinator in 2019, Durkin was on Alabama’s shortlist of candidates for the job. The 43-year-old from Ohio has experience with defensive ends and linebackers. He played defensive end and outside linebacker at Bowling Green State University from 1997-00.
He’s coached both positions at Bowling Green, Stanford, Florida, Michigan, Maryland, and Ole Miss. Durkin served as a defensive play-caller at Florida (2013-14) and Michigan (2015) before getting hired at Mississippi. During the SEC Coaches Teleconference, Nick Saban discussed the challenge of facing Mississippi’s scheme with Durkin on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“Their scheme is different,” Saban said. “It is the same scheme that Iowa State has. It is a 3-4 alignment, but they rush three and drop eight guys in coverage. It is an unusual look, and it’s different for preparation. They’re able to get pressure and create negative plays.”
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Alabama’s offensive line, especially its guards, has to have its best game.
Bryce Young has been stellar through four games, but he needs a big performance in dissecting coverages.
Mississippi will disguise its zone looks to confuse the sophomore quarterback. He has a chance to create with his legs and trust his evasiveness to extend plays at home. He is battling Matt Corral to be the top frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, so Young has to shred Durkin’s defense. People will be glued to CBS at 2:30 p.m., as Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson will be on the broadcast.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
