Alabama Football: Crimson Tide Game Balls for Ole Miss win

This Alabama football season is a good time to follow the old adage to ‘stop and smell the roses.’ Alabama won an important SEC road game, against a highly-ranked team in Ole Miss. For Crimson Tide fans, ‘enjoy’ should be an operative word.

It is true the Crimson Tide’s performance was a bit spotty. At times, both sides of the ball failed to deliver. While those too-frequent, ugly plays were troubling, they should not alter perceptions of what the Crimson Tide did well in the game.

So let’s clear our heads and pass along some well-earned accolades to Alabama Crimson Tide players.

Alabama Football vs. Ole Miss Game Balls

Note: Players are listed in alphabetical order and are not ranked

• Terrian Arnold – Too many Tide fans, this game ball is underserved. He struggled in coverage and with penalties – but, after losing his starting job, Arnold was pushed into a tough situation when Ricks was hurt. Terrian contributed 10 tackles and two pass breakups. With Khyree Jackson not available, Arnold was the Tide’s only option after Ricks, and Ole Miss wisely avoided Kool-Aid while picking on Arnold. Without his contribution, the Crimson Tide would not have won.
• Brian Branch – Branch had eight tackles, including two tackles for a loss and a pass breakup. His fingertip deflection on the last Ole Miss pass saved the game for the Crimson Tide. The pass was on target and Branch had to be in a perfect position to defend it. It was one of the top plays of the Tide’s 2022 season.