Playing Ole Miss Friday night in the SEC Quarterfinals is not one many had on the bingo card, but then again, that is why they call it March Madness.
It has been an overall very disappointing season for Chris Beard in Oxford, but now they find themselves just three games away from busting some bubbles. Though the Rebels' record is far from impressive when you look at the results, they have had quite a few close losses, and it is looking like their luck is beginning to change. In their first two wins of the SEC Tournament, they have not trailed a single moment against either Texas or Georgia. The Bulldogs did make a valiant effort fighting back late Thursday night, but came up short.
From an Alabama perspective, coming into this week, I was excited to have the chance to get revenge for regular-season losses to either Texas or Georgia on Friday, but with that out the window, honestly, Ole Miss may be the most dangerous opponent we could be facing. We all know how teams can go on magical runs out of nowhere during conference tournament week, and this is what the Rebels appear to be doing so far.
Hopefully, Wednesday and Thursday will have this Alabama team's attention and not take anything for granted, as Ole Miss is playing with house money.
Alabama did win the one regular-season matchup by 19 in mid-February during the Rebels' freefall, but during that same time, they also lost to Texas, so obviously, regular-season results have no bearing on what happens in Nashville. Winning Friday night is important for Alabama to stay in the mix to be on the three-line come Selection Sunday. If the Crimson Tide handles business Friday night, of course, they would make the semifinals for a second straight year, where most expect them to see Arkansas again.