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No. 15 Ole Miss vs. No. 2 Alabama preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Josh Criswell

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels vs. No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide

The Ole Miss Rebels (2-0) head to Tuscaloosa, Ala. this weekend for a matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Both teams are looking to extend an impressive start to the 2015 college football season. The Rebels are anchored on defense by a potential top-5 NFL Draft prospect in Robert Nkemdiche. The junior defensive end will have his hands full, however, as he goes up against a potent Alabama rushing attack, led by junior running back Derrick Henry.

Details for Saturday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, September 19
Start Time: 9:15 p.m. ET
Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Radio: Ole Miss — WQLJ 93.7 FM (Oxford), Alabama — WFFN 95.3 FM (Tuscaloosa)
Ticket information: For Ole Miss ticket info click here. For Alabama ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

Ole Miss:

Ole Miss needs to create havoc on the defensive side of the ball if they are going to have a chance at upsetting Alabama this Saturday. It will difficult to slow down the Alabama rushing attack, but they could find an edge in the secondary. The Rebels have recorded four interceptions this season, and although Jacob Coker has been reliable for the Crimson Tide, the jury is still out on how he will fare against SEC competition.

In addition, Ole Miss will need to continue to find production out of their running backs. So far, their rushing attack has averaged 7.8 yards per carry while producing 553 yards and nine touchdowns through two games. Alabama may hold an advantage in the talent department, but if the Rebels can control the clock, they will keep the game close and have an opportunity to win the game in the fourth quarter.

Alabama:

The biggest key for Alabama will be to protect the football, especially regarding quarterback Jacob Coker. Coker has been solid for the Crimson Tide this year, but he is facing his toughest test yet since taking over the starting job this offseason. If he can avoid turnovers, though, a blowout could be in the works. Derrick Henry has appeared virtually unstoppable in the backfield this season, and there are no signs pointing to him slowing down any time soon.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Alabama -7
Money Line: Ole Miss +220
O/U: 53

Prediction

Saturday’s game has the potential to be a thrilling matchup that comes down to the final possession. Both teams feature efficient offenses and stout defensive units. The difference in the game will ultimately be Derrick Henry wearing down the Ole Miss defensive front by the fourth quarter.

The Rebels may jump out to an early lead, but Alabama will take control down the stretch. The Crimson Tide take the lead on a late touchdown, and their defense makes a stop on the final possession to pull out the victory.

Final Score: Alabama 31, Ole Miss 24

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