Top 3 SEC Games: Week Three Edition

Sep 5, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to pass the ball during the game against the Tennessee Martin Skyhawks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels won 76 – 3.Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

15 Ole Miss VS 2 Alabama

Location:  Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Game Time:  Saturday, September 19 9:15PM ET

TV:  ESPN

If this game was a few weeks from now, one could easily make a argument that this game would feature a top 10 showdown between the two SEC West programs.  Ole Miss, fresh off consecutive 70+ outings against suspect competition, enters Tuscaloosa with another marquee game standing between themselves and further progress toward firmly establishing itself among the elite in college football.  Alabama, on the other hand, prepares for the Rebels with revenge and a standard to meet on the line.  There’s pressure on both programs, although different, I’m not so sure the pressure isn’t equal.  Alabama will enjoy playing within the confines of Bryant-Denny, but production will dictate the energy and vibes inside.  The matchup itself is very interesting.  Ole Miss’s strengths on offense lie in the passing game, while the weakness in Alabama’s defense lies in it’s secondary.  The Ole Miss offensive line remains a mystery, though recent history suggests it will not be strong enough to mount a legitimate running threat against the powerful front seven of Alabama’s defense.  On the flip side, Alabama has a real quarterback issue worth keeping an eye on.  Jacob Coker will get the start, but Cooper Bateman will stand ready if called upon.  Ole Miss’s first line of business will be to completely shut down any passing threat by getting after the Alabama quarterback and allowing it’s secondary to ball hawk.  Alabama’s strength on offense will be the power of Derrick Henry and the agility of Kenyan Drake.  Look for the Ole Miss defense to focus in on Alabama’s rushing attack, though there are some weaknesses in the Ole Miss linebacker corps.  On paper, this game has the makings of a classic.  Ole Miss has the team to go in and win the ball game, but it’s going to be a tall order.  It takes a lot to win in Tuscaloosa.  The Ole Miss-Alabama matchup is the must see game of week 3 in the SEC, and if Vegas is correct, it shouldn’t disappoint.

Next: Other SEC Games of Note