Alabama Football: The Tide Will Absolutely Beat Ole Miss

Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) pushes away Mississippi Rebels linebacker Christian Russell (20) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Rebels defeated the Tide 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) pushes away Mississippi Rebels linebacker Christian Russell (20) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Rebels defeated the Tide 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
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5. Last Year Was a Fluke

Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trae Elston (7) returns an interception as Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Richard Mullaney (16) reaches out for him. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trae Elston (7) returns an interception as Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Richard Mullaney (16) reaches out for him. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

People love to remind others that the Ole Miss Rebels have beaten the Crimson Tide in their last two matchups. What some don’t like to remember is that last year’s game was a bit of an outlier.

Alabama had not settled on a starting quarterback prior to last year’s game, and it wasn’t decided until somewhere around the third quarter. Cooper Bateman, once thought to be a frontrunner for the  job at Bama this year, lacked experience and confidence in his first collegiate start.

That lack of experience and confidence not only lead to FIVE turnovers in the game, but also solidified Jake Coker as Alabama football’s starting QB. Once Coker took over under center, the Tide started to roll and it looked as though Bama might make a comeback.

Mistakes, penalties, and a miraculous pass by Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly led to a disastrous ending for Alabama. The Tide came back to finish the season strong and eventually won the CFP National Championship.

While the history of this matchup is worth noting, there are two important factors to keep in mind going into this game. One: Alabama will not turn the ball over FIVE times this weekend. They just won’t. And Two: Alabama football head coach Nick Saban HATES to lose.

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