Ole Miss vs Alabama: Highlights, score and recap

A look at what happened during Saturday’s game between Ole Miss and Alabama.

No. 19 Ole Miss hosted No. 1 Alabama at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what turned out to be a barnburner of a SEC game. The Rebels have defeated the Crimson Tide in each of the past three meetings, and looked for a fourth consecutive victory at home.

Ole Miss came out firing to start the game. On their first drive, quarterback Chad Kelly hit three of his first four passes. Then running back Akeem Judd had a 23-yard carry to bring the score to 7-0, Rebels.

As the first quarter concluded, Alabama looked to bring the lead to one, but kicker Adam Griffith missed a field goal to keep the score at 7-3. The quarter was highlighted by two long ‘Bama drives, which only resulted in a few points. Quarterback Jalen Hurts only threw for 37 yards on 11 for 14 passing. Running back ArDarius Stewart also potentially suffered a head injury, which saw him leave the game for a while.

Ole Miss’ offense would come back alive midway through the second quarter. A 44-yard pass play to Damore’ea Stringfellow brought them into the red zone. However, they would fail to convert a third down, leading to a field goal that made the game 10-3.

On their next drive, Kelly missed a third down throw, but got roughed up after the play, leading to Alabama getting a roughing the passer call. This gave Ole Miss extra life, and moments later, Kelly hit a wide open Evan Engram for a 63-yard touchdown. The extra point extended the lead to 17-3.

A controversial call came when Jalen Hurts got sacked by Breeland Speaks and fumbled. Ole Miss would scoop the ball up and run into the end zone for a touchdown. However, Rebel defender Marquis Haynes was called for an unnecessary roughness call while the ball was being returned for a score. The touchdown shouldn’t have counted, but the officials allowed it anyway. It pushed the score to 24-3. Alabama came back with a quick score to bring it to 24-10.

In the second half, Alabama quickly got the lead to 27-24. Ole Miss would come back with a few effective pass plays, which got them into goal line territory for a score.

In the fourth quarter, Hurts hurled a deep pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley, which got them back into scoring range, and led to a touchdown. A pick-six from Kelly would seemingly end Hugh Freeze’s team’s chances at 48-30.

However, Ole Miss had two ridiculously quick drives down the field, both of which resulted in touchdowns. The second score came one play after they recovered an onside kick. Alabama would then control the ball after a kickoff, and win the game 48-43.

Three Stars

Jalen Hurts – The freshman quarterback of the Tide had over 300 all-purpose yards, and looks to be a star in the making.

Damien Harris – Harris is having no issue taking over in the long line of great Alabama running backs. He rushed for 144 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown.

Chad Kelly – Kelly had a star performance, throwing for 421 yards and three touchdowns in the losing effort.

Next: SEC Programs Ranked By Statistical Greatness

Highlights

".@AlabamaFTBL is right back in it!What a punt return by Eddie Jackson. 85 yards to the house. https://t.co/2m371z2hhb— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 17, 2016"

Next Game

On September 24, Alabama will head home to host Kent State. Ole Miss’ schedule won’t get easier, as Georgia will visit them in another SEC game on Saturday.