DEFENSE
Ole Miss almost completely rebuilt its defense through the Transfer Portal. On Saturday as many as eight new Ole Miss players will start on defense. The Rebels’ weakness on defense may be improved over last season, but given the Ole Miss schedule of Mercer, Tulane without its starting quarterback, and Georgia Tech, the Ole Miss defense is difficult to measure.
- Defensive Line – Better for Ole Miss, but advantage Alabama, assuming Jaheim Oatis will be 100%. Again a big question will be the Ole Miss front and the Tide’s pass protection.
- Linebacker – Advantage Alabama, with a caveat that freshman linebacker Suntarine Perkins could be a problem for the Crimson Tide if spying Jalen Milroe. Ole Miss also has three other talented transfer linebackers.
- Defensive Back – Deantre Prince is a good cornerback for Ole Miss. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold and Malachi Moore are all better for Alabama. Ole Miss might have a slight edge at safety but for the overall position group – Advantage Alabama, as long as the Tide’s pass rush is effective.