Keys to the Crimson Tide’s victory over the Ole Miss Rebels

Just a little over six minutes into the SEC Opener match, the Crimson Tide already had three touchdowns off four possessions, gained 226 yards, on but a single turnover.  This set the tone for the rest of the game as Alabama dominated Mississippi in their own Oxford stadium, 62-7.

To be fair, Ole Miss was the clear underdog against the country’s top-ranked Crimson Tides.  Just 11 seconds into the game, the Rebels showed that it was seemingly unfazed, managing to set up a beautiful play involving Jordan Ta’amu passing to D.K. Metcalf for a huge touchdown. 

But Alabama hasn’t conceded to any unranked team for eight years now, having gone undefeated against any such team 76 times now.  Historically speaking, the quick lead wasn’t meant to last.  And true enough, the Crimson Tide retaliated with a three-play drive that got the score tied in the very next possession.  Then Alabama’s Damien Harris ran 43-yards for a touchdown for a seven-point lead, and the Rebels would not be able to even come close again.

The hero being praised by Alabama coach Nick Saban is its own Hawaiian standout Tua Tagovailoa, who racked up 191 yards on 11 passes before being subbed for Jalen Hurts.  The fiery coach suggested after the match that he would start with Tagovailoa for the team’s next match.  Anyhow, the pain continued for the Rebels, which surrendered two more touchdowns.  By halftime, the Tides were already way ahead, 49-7.

It was a classic beatdown: in the end, Alabama had gained 516 yards and Ole Miss had a measly 248.  And any hype—and hope—from Ole miss fans leading into the game were all but forgotten as early as the end of the third. 

George S. Ammar is a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests, including business leadership, sports, music, and movies. Visit this page for more articles like this.