Alabama has its first marquee home game of the season on Saturday versus Ole Miss.
Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin are at the forefront, but the matchup also includes two quarterbacks — Matt Corral and Bryce Young — at the top of the Heisman Trophy conversation. Coach Kiffin is looking to become the first former Saban assistant to defeat the seven-time national champion. After allowing 48 points to the Rebels in 2020, Alabama’s defense is ready for a better showing.
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As for Bill O’Brien, the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator will establish balance and take shots downfield. Alabama created rhythm on offense against Southern Mississippi, and it led to a 63-14 win. Coach Saban and Tide fans want to see relentless energy from the players.
SEC Nation will be in attendance as the game will decide who takes a step forward in the SEC West. The impactful players for Alabama to face Ole Miss are listed below.
Bryce Young, Quarterback
Bryce Young can stamp his name as the Heisman Trophy frontrunner against Mississippi.
The sophomore quarterback has been stellar in his first four games, tossing 15 touchdowns to one interception. He comes off a five-touchdown performance versus Southern Mississippi, but Young now looks to shred the Rebels’ defensive secondary. Ole Miss will rush three players and drop eight in coverage.
Young must be sharp in finding the weaknesses and attacking Mississippi accordingly. Despite his ability to extend plays, he might have a chance to hurt Ole Miss by running the football.
Young and O’Brien are on the same page in terms of trusting each other. Alabama’s offensive play-caller is going to put the California native in situations to perform well against D.J. Durkin’s defense. It will be on him to set the protections, use his instincts, and make as many big plays as possible. Saturday is a moment for Young to show college football he means business.
Jahleel Billingsley, Tight End
Jahleel Billingsley is out of the doghouse at the right time.
He turned in a great game versus the Golden Eagles, catching five passes for 105 yards and one touchdown. Young targeted him six times, as he averaged 21 yards per catch. Southern Mississippi had no answers for the junior tight end as Billingsley created matchup issues.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has caught a touchdown pass in each of the last two games.
His routes are as proficient as wide receivers, but his size makes him difficult for cornerbacks and safeties to defend him in man coverage.
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Alabama has been known for saving its tight ends for big games. O.J. Howard was not given attention until the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship versus Clemson. He posted a career-high 208 receiving yards with two touchdowns on five catches. Howard assisted the Tide to a 45-40 victory over the Tigers. Irv Smith generated matchup problems for defenses with his routes, speed, and size too. Ole Miss had Kenny Yeboah and Evan Engram hurt Alabama at the tight end position.
Since returning to the offense, Billingsley has six receptions for 131 yards and two scores.
Javion Cohen, Offensive Line
Alabama’s offensive line has a task on its hands.
Mississippi has 16 sacks and 13 forced turnovers. The Rebels have been able to pressure quarterbacks and limit running backs from having success. Javion Cohen, a sophomore, has to smash defenders (run game) and seal players off (pass protection) from his left guard position. He showed improvement last week; nevertheless, he needs to continue his growth versus Ole Miss.
Will Anderson Jr., Linebacker
Lane Kiffin compared him to Derrick Thomas and Myles Garrett.
Will Anderson is the leader of Alabama’s defense.
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He carries 8.5 tackles for loss (team-high), two sacks, and two quarterback hurries.
The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder will come after Matt Corral. Anderson played in last year’s game as a freshman, and he knows the performance did not live up to the “Bama standard.” He has been preaching about the mindset of this group, and he’s ready to see it in action. Alabama also wants to see Drew Sanders, Christian Harris, Henry To’oto’o, Phidarian Mathis, DJ Dale, Justin Eboigbe, and others dominate.
Malachi Moore, Defensive Back
Malachi Moore has been quiet so far.
He recorded an interception versus Miami but has four tackles. During the first SEC home game for Alabama in 2020, Moore collected a pick against Georgia. His efforts would begin an impressive freshman season.
He has the ball skills, instincts, technique, and physicality to get things going. An interception off Matt Corral would set everything in motion for Moore to continue the campaign.
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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.
