SEC’s Best in-Conference Games: Number 5: Alabama at Ole Miss

Ole Miss Offense vs. Alabama Defense:

Ole Miss had the best quarterback in the SEC last year, Chad Kelly. Unfortunately for everyone but Rebel fans, he is back again this season. However, he did lose a few of his favorite weapons. Gone are receivers Laquon Treadwell and Cody Core, as is running back Jaylen Walton. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Ole Miss loses star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who so ably protected Kelly’s blind side last year.

But the cupboard is far from bare for Kelly and Coach Hugh Freeze. Damore’ea Stringfellow, Quincy Adeboyejo, and tight end Evan Engram give Kelly three proven options to throw to. And Akeem Judd should do fine at running back in Hugh Freeze’s offense, though depth may be a concern there after Jordan Wilkins was suspended.

Alabama’s defense was great last season. Which is nothing new for Alabama under Nick Saban. The Tide should be great again this year, though they lost a few pieces from last year’s squad. Up front the Tide lost Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson to the NFL Draft. However, they return sack leader Jonathan Allen and nose tackle Daron Payne. The other end spot will be filled by either Dalvin Tomlinson or Da’shawn Hand. They should be one of the top units in the country.

At linebacker, the Tide should also be stout. They lost leader Reggie Ragland, but Reuben Foster seems ready to step into that role. Shaun Dion Hamilton should do well next to Foster on the inside. On the outside, the Tide return two elite pass-rushers in Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. Rashaan Evans is a versatile weapon who can play inside or outside coming off the bench.

In the secondary the Tide lose two starters, in the forms of Cyrus Jones and Geno Smith. They will be missed. However, the Tide does return safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who saw time at nickel last season, should transition smoothly to the other outside corner spot. Finally, Ronnie Harrison, who saw time at dime should slide into Smith’s role at safety.

Advantage: Alabama (Because it’s early in the year and Bama’s D-Line should feast)

Next: Bama O vs. Ole Miss D