The University of Alabama Football and Crimson Tide Sports Source
April 19, 2024
July 15, 2014
University of Mississippi – Rebels
This game should be highly anticipated and depending upon how the Florida game went and how Ole Miss did with Boise State in their opener, both teams could be highly ranked. The game is in Oxford, which adds some drama.
Since Hugh Freeze arrived in Oxford there has been excitement there that we have not seen since Eli Manning was running the Ole Miss offense. Freeze brought in a hurry-up no huddle attack and they can move the ball. Last year, the Rebels ranked third in the conference in passing, seventh in rushing and fifth in total offense. Ole Miss is a team on the rise as these numbers are up from the year before. Hugh Freeze continues bringing in quality players. This year’s class ranked 15th in the nation. That’s down from last year’s number six class, but I’m sure no one in Oxford is complaining.
On defense Ole Miss is pretty much in the middle of the SEC pack. They ranked no higher than seventh in any defensive category, which is where they ranked in total defense. They finished ninth in rushing defense, which should warm the cockles of the heart of any Tide fan. Ole Miss does have star linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche who will cause trouble for many teams. Last year the Rebels did not have much of a pass rush and they hope to improve in that this season.
All in all the 2014 edition of the Rebels should continue the upswing in year three of the Freeze regime. Depending on how they do in their opener they could win nine games. Though, in the SEC west that’s probably no better than fourth. The good news for the Rebels – this game is in Oxford. The bad news – if they can’t stop the run any better than last year, they will not defeat Alabama.
Their best chance in this game is to hope HUNH offenses are still Alabama’s kryptonite. If that’s the case then the Rebels have a chance. If that’s the case, Alabama could have a roller coaster season. I don’t think that will be the case and I don’t think Ole Miss will beat Alabama in Oxford this year.
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