Nick Saban is 24-0 against his former assistants as Alabama’s head coach.
Lane Kiffin, on the other hand, did not have a good return to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
He watched his offense get shut out of the first half, and Mississippi took a 21-42 defeat at the hands of the Crimson Tide. Kiffin wanted fans to have their popcorn ready, but he was the popped kernel. Alabama was not only prepared for his antics, but it was also set to frustrate Matt Corral.
RELATED: Brian Robinson wins Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week for game versus Ole Miss
Coach Saban was not trying to have national media relish over Kiffin beating him. People pegged the matchup to be the SEC Game of the Year, but Alabama remains undefeated.
Before it travels to Texas A&M, we have takeaways from the Crimson Tide’s victory over Mississippi listed below.
1. Brian Robinson established himself as an elite running back
Brian Robinson exposed Aaron Taylor of CBS Sports.
Last week, Taylor said Alabama does not run the ball as well as it did in 2020. He also stated that Mississippi was a ‘better version’ of itself than the Tide. Taylor predicted an upset victory for the Rebels, but Robinson spoiled those plans.
After years of patience, the Tuscaloosa native had an outstanding performance. Robinson owned Ole Miss’ defensive front, carrying tacklers for a career-high 171 yards rushing.
It was his first 100-yard outing for his career, and he scored four touchdowns on 36 carries.
He had 12 runs that resulted in first downs or scores and five carries of 10+ yards.
RELATED: Kentucky fans chant ‘We want Bama’ after upset win over Florida
Robinson allowed Alabama’s offensive line to flex its muscles. His efforts allowed him to win Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week honors. He leads the Tide in rushing with 73 carries for 379 yards and six scores.
Robinson is averaging 95 rushing yards per game. Alabama showed it can run the football, and Robinson pounded Mississippi into submission.
2. Jahleel Billingsley getting comfortable in Bill O’Brien’s offense
Jahleel Billingsley has 10 catches in five games.
He totaled 18 receptions last year and is starting to get comfortable in Bill O’Brien’s offense. Billingsley did not record a touchdown catch versus Mississippi, but he was a matchup problem. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder was targeted six times from his tight end position and caught four passes. He tallied 47 yards receiving, including a long reception of 19 yards. Billingsley had three catches for first downs, with his 19-yard catch on fourth down.
O’Brien’s play design created openings in Ole Miss’ zone coverage, but Billingsley also executed good routes. He worked back to Bryce Young and made plays at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Since his touchdown catch against Florida, Billingsley has come alive.
3. Alabama’s defense got its confidence boosted
Alabama’s defense had fans roasting Lane Kiffin and Chris Doering.
Saban wants a complete game from the group, but it got a confidence boost against Mississippi.
The Tide had a better showing than last year’s performance at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama held the Rebels under 30 points and 300 yards.
RELATED: How Alabama fans reacted to Tide win over Ole Miss
Ole Miss went 7-for-19 on combined third and fourth down attempts. Saban’s defense forced a turnover, played to its standard, and created momentum. The crowd was pleased with the intensity shown by the players. Will Anderson and Phidarian Mathis totaled one sack each, but Alabama had seven tackles for loss and seven quarterback hurries. Matt Corral was not comfortable.
The Crimson Tide forced Mississippi to play from behind, and it put Kiffin in a hole.
4. Alabama’s OL: Growing more, but must improve snaps
Alabama’s offensive line is getting better.
Brian Robinson and Jase McClellan (before injury) had success, and Bryce Young had good protection. The Tide established a balanced attack and had its fourth 40-point game.
Evan Neal continues to excel at left tackle, but Javion Cohen showed dominance at left guard.
He opened massive holes for Robinson to generate a career day. Darrian Dalcourt had issues with snaps. The junior from Maryland made his fifth start at center and suffered a few high snaps to Young. It offset the rhythm of Alabama’s offense, and Dalcourt has to improve.
Chris Owens, a sixth-year senior, filled in for Landon Dickerson during the 2020 postseason.
He played well at center and helped the Tide secure a CFP National Championship.
If Alabama goes to Owens, a chance opens for JC Latham at right tackle. We will see what happens moving forward.
Honorary takeaway: Energy of fans and students
Saban called on the fans to step up, and they did. They created a hostile environment for Mississippi, and it led to its offense not sustaining success. Ole Miss had eight penalties, and the majority were false starts.
The music playlist had players and fans bouncing.
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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.
