If you’re a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Ole Miss Rebels this was “THE GAME” on the 2009 schedule. Due to the success of both teams in 2008, the ‘Bama/Ole Miss contest this season appeared to be the game of the decade. In the eyes of many “experts” the showdown in Oxford would determine the SEC Western Division champion…and possibly…the national champion.
Even though the match-up doesn’t seem to be as appealing as it did in June, and only one team is undefeated entering the contest…the stakes are still very high. The “hoopla” has been scaled down a notch, but this game could still decide the SEC Western Division champion. Ole Miss is out of national title contention but I’m sure the Rebels would love nothing more than to derail the Crimson Tide, and end all hopes of a possible national championship.
So, is this game still important? Try losing if you’re Alabama…and you’ll never forget the importance.
ALABAMA KEYS TO VICTORY:
How can Alabama prevent a “meltdown” and improve to 6-0 on the season? Well, let’s take a look at who powers the Ole Miss Rebels.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Rebels are led by quarterback Jevan Snead who is regarded as one of the best in the nation. Although Snead can look shaky at times, he is a solid signal caller that any team would love to have under center.
The Alabama defense will look to pressure Snead and also disguise defensive coverage. Many times Snead has difficulty thinking on his feet and seems to get frustrated when things start to fall apart. In the Ole Miss loss at South Carolina, Jevan Snead looked like the worst quarterback in the country at times due to defensive pressure...and utter frustration. The Crimson Tide defense must FORCE Snead to make plays…rather than GIVING HIM TIME to make plays.
Watching Jevan Snead in live action, as well as on game film, he seems to have an issue keeping the ball down. When he makes an errant throw…he misses high. Snead has thrown five interceptions in 2009 and three of those were against Vanderbilt. If Snead is forced to move around in the pocket and make ill-advised throws that sail on his receivers…the ‘Bama defense will be very successful.
When Snead goes back to pass who will Alabama need to cover? The answer is Shay Hodge. Regarded as one of the top receivers in the SEC, Hodge has 17 receptions for 269 yards this season. Hodge averages 15.8 yards per catch to go along with three touchdowns. Applying pressure to Jevan Snead will not only disrupt his concentration…but the pass routes in general. Hodge can’t make a
play…if he can’t get the ball. The Tide defense can take out "two Rebels with one stone" if they can get heavy pressure on Snead.
On the ground, the Rebels are led by Brandon Bolden and Cordera Eason. Bolden is the leading rusher on the team, and the Rebels like to utilize a solid ground attack to counter Jevan Snead and the passing game. The ‘Bama defense was “suspect” against the run versus Kentucky. The Crimson Tide front line will need to stop the run in order to be efficient against the Ole Miss offense.
Like many good teams, Ole Miss has a man of many talents in Dexter McCluster. The Alabama defense can expect to see McCluster at running back, wide receiver, and the showcase feature in the “Wild Rebel” formation taking the direct snap out of the shotgun formation. McCluster is small…but quick. He will certainly present Alabama with a difficult challenge.
When Alabama has the football…look for Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy. The Crimson Tide offensive line will need to contain Hardy in order to give quarterback Greg McElroy ample time in the pocket to make accurate and timely throws.
As for the Alabama offensive plan…”keep on keeping on” is a good motto to remember. The running game will be utilized to establish the pass, and the pass will be utilized to establish the run. The key to victory for Alabama depends more on shutting down the Ole Miss offense...than actual offensive production from the Crimson Tide. Ole Miss has a solid defense in all phases of the game, but Alabama has an equally (if not better) offense to counter the Rebels defense. I look for the Crimson Tide to have another solid offensive performance and score over 30 points for the sixth consecutive game in 2009.
If I had to put my finger on the major deciding factor, it would be the Alabama defense. As mentioned above, Alabama will score, but the game will be decided when Ole Miss has the football. If the Rebels offense can't produce...'Bama will win going away. The nation witnessed how Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett performed against Alabama, and I can’t help but think Jevan Snead could meet a similar fate. The game is in Oxford, so the crowd will be a factor as long as Ole Miss is within striking distance. However, I get the feeling that Ole Miss simply won’t have enough "gas in the tank" once the final quarter rolls around. As the game marches on, a tired Ole Miss defense will take the fall in this one.
Prediction: Alabama 35 Ole Miss 21
Alabama/Ole Miss will be televised on CBS with kickoff expected around 2:35 p.m. central time.
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