Free Pick: Mississippi (3-0) at Alabama (4-0) 10/2/21

The Rebels bring their high-flying offense into Tuscaloosa and take on No.1 Alabama. It will be their first road game and they have a huge task ahead of them. Alabama is 4-0 and are used to these kinds of games. We are going to find out a lot about both teams in this one.

Scouting Ole Miss:

Quarterback: Matt Corral has completed 69% of his passes for 997 yards and 9 touchdowns with no interceptions. He has been the most impressive quarterback in the country to this point. He also has rushed for another 205 yards so he is a threat with his feet also. He will need to be at his very best to win this week.

Running Backs: Jerrion Ealy has rushed for 203 yards and Mississippi’s ability to run the ball might be the key to the game.

Wide Receivers: Corral has two big targets in Dontario Drummond (20 catches for 339 yards and 4 TD’s) and Jonathan Mingo (15 for 290 yards and three touchdowns). They have been impressive.

Defense: Last year the Mississippi defense was horrible and they have been better through the first three games this season. Defensive end, Sam Williams has led an improved pass rush with 4 of the 9 sacks they have recorded. They are much more aggressive and organized than they were in 2020. This will be their first major test and we will find out if they are good enough to compliment the Mississippi offense.

Scouting Alabama:

Quarterback: Bryce Young has stepped on as a sophomore and has been very good at quarterback in his first year. He has completed 88 of 122 passes for 1124 yards and 15 touchdowns and only 1 interception. Alabama’s offense hasn’t missed a beat despite losing a great player in Mac Jones.

Running Backs: Brian Robinson is the leading rusher with 213 yards in 3 games. Jase McClellan has chipped in with 171 yards. Their stats aren’t great and this could point out a problem with the Alabama offense.

Wide Receivers: Alabama has a room full of receivers who are threats. John Metchie has caught 24 balls for 240 yards and Jameson Williams is a deep threat with 12 catches for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Defense: The Alabama defense has been good, but in the Florida game (which is the only good team they have played) they gave up 245 yards rushing. The Gators threw for an additional 195 yards and the Tide was outgained by 110 yards. This is definitely cause for concern because the Rebel offense is better than Florida’s. Leaders on the defense are Henry To’o To’o, Will Anderson, and Christian Harris who have combined for 73 tackles.

This shapes up as a good one between these two SEC rivals. Ole Miss has the offense that can give Alabama trouble and we aren’t sure the Tide defense is that good. Having said that, the Alabama offense is solid and the Rebel defense is very questionable and all signs point to a high-scoring shootout in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is a 14.5 point favorite.

AARON’S PICK: Ole Miss +14.5

PAPA DUDE’S PICK: Alabama -14.5