Tide vs. Rebels in Big Showdown

Well, the Rebels managed to finally beat Vanderbilt by more than 3 and were able to muddle through the second half last Saturday and escape Nashville with a 23-7 win.

Now, the Crimson Tide come to town. Rebel fans have had this game circled as the "one to win" since the spring. Maybe even since last year's nailbiter in Tuscaloosa or the "Doyle Jackson" game from 2 years ago (see above).

Alabama is a very impressive team and Ole Miss has their work cut out for them. The Rebel defense and offense are ranked at or near the top in red zone offense and defense. But that only tells part of the story. Ole Miss is stuck in the middle in many critical statistical categories while the Tide ranks close to the top in most of those lists.

What will Ole Miss have to do in order to win this uphill battle? Play a nearly flawless game with no turnovers, hold Alabama's running game to 100 yards or less and pray that Doyle Jackson doesn't enter Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

I'll write more on the game later in the week, but needless to say this game still holds the key to the Rebels finally breaking through the glass ceiling and playing in Atlanta the first weekend in December.

Forward Rebels!