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Ole Miss vs Alabama recap: 3 things we learned

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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What did we learn from Saturday’s game between Ole Miss and Alabama?

One of Saturday’s SEC showdowns saw No. 19 Ole Miss host No. 1 Alabama at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium. After a long back and forth game, the Crimson Tide would defeat the Rebels, 48-43.

This game had plenty of takeaways, including the Alabama offense standing out. Their quarterback, running back, and wide receivers had productive outings, which led to a victory for the team. What else helped with the outcome of this huge SEC West showdown?

Referee blunders control the game

Referees have been criticized plenty of times for their blown calls controlling the outcome of the game. This took place near the end of the first half, with two going Ole Miss’ way on the same play.

It started with Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts being speared by Breeland Speaks, who could have been called for targeting on the play. Then, when the ball was being returned for a touchdown, Marquis Haynes got called for a block in the back before the ball crossed the end zone. Both of these should have negated the score and moved Alabama up the field, but all it did was push Ole Miss’ then lead.

If Alabama lost the game, this may be a hotter topic of conversation, but this one could have set the tempo for the rest of the contest. Shaky play on both sides of the ball from Ole Miss cost them afterward.

Alabama is relentless

So often did Ole Miss take the lead on Saturday, and after climbing back into the game, Alabama just kept on pounding away.

It seemed that after the score went to 24-3, the Crimson Tide had a spark lit under them. They had an answer for any Rebel scoring play, and took the lead multiple times in this game. The rushing game led the way, with both Hurts and Damien Harris totaling over 90 yards on the ground. There was no answer for either of them throughout the afternoon.

Jalen Hurts is going to be around for a long time

Hurts isn’t the best passer in the league, and has some work to do on being accurate, but he’s also a true freshman. For his status, the sky is the limit on potential, especially with the season just three games in.

Next: SEC Programs Ranked By Statistical Greatness

In this contest, the Alabama quarterback rushed for nearly 150 yards on 18 carries, and passed for over 150 yards. He was the force of the Crimson Tide offense, and should remain this way for the rest of the season, 2017 and 2018. They have a star in the making at the signal-caller position.

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