Alabama Football: Studs and Duds in Bama win over Rebels

Alabama Football Studs

Brian Robinson Jr.

Robinson dragged helpless Rebels defenders all game. Imitating former Heisman winner Derrick Henry with a season-high 36 carries for 171 yards and four touchdowns, the senior back delivered an MVP performance as the Crimson Tide depended on the old-fashioned power running game to keep the Rebels offense at bay.

Bill O’ Brien

Any Lane Kiffin-led offense can put points on the board.

Fast.

Prepared to keep the game from becoming a shootout, Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’ Brien managed a surgical, balanced game plan by giving the Rebels defense a steady diet of Robinson runs and an efficient Bryce Young. The offense combined for 210 yards on the ground and 241 yards through the air.

First Half Defense

After surrendering 48 points and 647 yards of total offense last season against Ole Miss, defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s critics chirped loudly, seeking an immediate dismissal. While the defense looks much improved this season, questions remained whether the Crimson Tide would repeat their dismal performance against Ole Miss.

Ole Miss entered the contest with the nation’s best offense averaging 638 yards a game, the top-scoring offense at 52.7 points, and the fourth-best running game averaging 298.6 yards per game.

The Rebels’ first-half statistics were a paltry109 yards of offense, 3.2 yards per play, and zero points. Golding ensured the defense came ready to play, and his critics remained silent.