Inconsistent, slow starts and close games would describe every Alabama road game this year, and the Tide's slow one on Saturday in Oxford was no different.
Just like previous road tests, Alabama was inconsistent on offense, they got off to a slow start, falling behind for most of the game, and the game came down to one possession to determine the winner. However, this week, the Crimson Tide was able to come out victorious on the road, beating Ole Miss on Saturday 30-24 to improve to 8-2 on the season.
Here are some key takeaways from the game.
Rushing Offense
Once again, the Alabama offensive line had an inconsistent performance. The first half was absolutely terrible as they created zero push up front against an Ole Miss defense that was allowing opponents 155 yards per game on the ground. Alabama finished the first half with just 26 yards rushing. Filling in for an injured Jahmyr Gibbs, Jace McClellan did his best to try and salvage the Tide running game, leading the way with 84 yards on 19 carries.
Rushing Defense
For the entire first half, the Alabama defensive line looked just as bad as the offensive line. The Ole Miss rushing attack gashed through the Crimson Tide front for 124 yards in the first half alone. Luckily for defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s sake, they got their act together and held the high-powered rushing attack of Ole Miss to just 67 rushing yards in the second half. Ole Miss ended up with 191 yards on the ground, which is below their season average, but this wasn't much of a win for the Alabama defensive line.
Receivers
With the lack of a ground attack, Alabama was forced into being a one-dimensional offensive team. Ja’Corey Brooks was once again Bryce Young’s favorite receiver. He was targeted eight times and pulled in four of those passes for 61 yards with a touchdown. Tight end Cameron Latu was also a popular target for Young as he caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. With the lack of separation from the wide receiver group so far this season, it seems that Latu and Brooks are the two receivers that Young has the most confidence.
Terrion Arnold
On the first play from scrimmage, starting Alabama cornerback Eli Ricks came off the field with a head injury and did not return. With Ricks out of the lineup, Saban was forced to bring in Terrion Arnold, who lost his job to Ricks three weeks ago. With a backup corner in the lineup for Alabama, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin immediately tested Arnold early and often. Arnold gave up big plays to Ole Miss receivers and also committed a pass interference penalty. After the game, Saban seemed to think that Ricks was OK, which is good news for Alabama because Arnold isn’t quite ready to start for this defense.
Special Teams
I would have never in a million years believed you if you told me that the most consistent unit on a Nick Saban-coached Alabama team was the special teams unit, but outside of one rough game for Will Reichard, they have been consistently good. Saturday, Reichard hit all three of his field goal attempts as well as all three of his extra points.
As far as the punting goes, James Burnip had four punts for an average of 44 yards to help flip the field position for the defense when the offense sputtered.
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