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

Special Teams and Coaching:

Ole Miss returns both of its specialists this season. Kicker Gary Wunderlich knocked through 19 of his 25 field goal attempts. Punter Will Gleeson averaged 41 yards per punt. Primary kick returner Jaylen Walton graduated. Someone else will have to step into that role this season.

Special teams remain something of a question mark for Alabama. They need new return men, as Cyrus Jones and Kenyan Drake are both in the NFL now. The kicking situation is hit or miss. When Adam Griffith is on, he can kick as well as anyone in the country. But when he isn’t the poor guy can’t hit the side of the barn. Punter JK Scott was solid last season although he still had a bit of a sophomore slump. His average dipped from an obscene 48 yards per kick to 44.

In terms of coaching I think you have to give it to Nick Saban. Freeze is a quality coach to be sure, but Saban may be the best ever.

Advantage: Even