Alabama Football: Ole Miss Pete Golding same as Bama Golding?

With deep knowledge of every aspect of the Alabama Football program, does Ole Miss have a game-determining advantage over Alabama? Along with Lane Kiffin and Pete Golding’s years of experience as Crimson Tide coordinators, the Ole Miss staff also includes Charlie Weiss Jr. and Wes Neighbors III.

Weiss is the Ole Miss quarterbacks coach. Neighbors coaches the Ole Miss safeties and is considered a rising coach loaded with knowledge of college football defenses. Neighbors played at Alabama from 2008 – 2011 and was on the Tide staff. He coached with Kiffin at Florida Atlantic and was on the Maryland staff before Kiffin brought him to Oxford.

It is not a stretch to believe Neighbors will play a major role in how to defend the Crimson Tide.

Many Alabama football fans have justifiable doubts about the Crimson Tide offense. Although it is only a snapshot, some data from a recent Chris Low story provides insight into the Tide’s offensive troubles. Per ESPN data, Alabama in its Saban-led national championship seasons ranged from gaining 6.8 yards to eight yards on first down. This season the number is 4.8 yards. The difference is significant.

Alabama fans rejoiced when Pete Golding left Tuscaloosa for Ole Miss. Rightly or wrongly Golding was blamed for every Crimson Tide defensive failure in his tenure. Golding was often chided for a decision to go lighter in the box, with only two defensive linemen and sometimes just one. He was also justifiably roasted for having no answer to Josh Heupel’s offense last October.

Pete Golding Defense  vs. Alabama Football Offense

The Alabama fans most worried about Saturday’s game have more than a fear of an Alabama loss. They also dread the thought that a Pete Golding defense might be effective against the Crimson Tide. The 4.8-yard stat listed above feeds suspicion that even a Pete Golding defense can slow the Crimson Tide.

Golding’s Ole Miss defense will not be light in the box Saturday afternoon. His game plan will be to stymie the Tide’s rushing attack and force Jalen Milroe to win the game through the air. If the Tide can run on the Rebels, Ole Miss will lose much of its upset chances.

The outcome on Saturday will not hinge on Pete Golding’s success or failure. It will be determined by how well Alabama plays, especially in the trenches. If the Tide’s O-line performs well making running holes and in pass protection, AND if Tommy Rees calls a game best suited to the Tide’s strengths, Alabama will prevail.

The Alabama football defense must also perform well on Saturday. The Crimson Tide offense must not be forced to win a shootout.