Ole Miss vs. Alabama: Young Studs Who Will Get Chance to Shine

Alabama RB Kenyan Drake
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The Alabama Crimson Tide have dominated each and every one of its opponents in 2012. Winning by an average margin of 37 points. The Tide and its young studs are set to roll over the Ole Miss rebels.  

Alabama comes in as 30-point favorites against Ole Miss. If the game turns out to be a blowout, the Crimson Tide will be able to showcase its young talent off the bench.

Expect a blowout and a heavy dose of these young stars this Saturday in Tuscaloosa.  

Kenyan Drake

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Kenyan Drake, a true freshman, is starting to look like a key piece in Alabama's future rushing attack.

He entered the season fifth on the depth chart and only has 13 carries but is averaging a stunning 9.7 yards per carry for 126 yards.

Drake, who has good size and phenomenal acceleration, is now third on the team in rushing. Nick Saban will want to further develop him as a future offensive stud if the game isn't close.   

Furthermore, Drake carried the ball six times in a blowout against Arkansas. If the Ole Miss game follows suit, Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon will get some extra second half rest, leaving the backfield open for Drake and the other underclassmen.

Dee Hart

Kelly Lambert

Kenyan Drake isn't the only young backup RB the Tide have in its arsenal. In a blowout, freshman Dee Hart will get his fair share of carries.

The 5'9" Hart is explosive and is drawing comparisons to Javier Arenas.

He's fairly atypical for an Alabama RB in the sense that he's lightning quick, elusive and isn't big enough to run anyone over.

Hart is the type of back one would expect to play in an Oregon-like spread offense. He's a change of pace from Saban's power backs, which is exactly why 'Bama will look to integrate him into their versatile offensive system. 

Look for Hart to carry the ball 5-8 times in a blowout against Ole Miss. 

Phillip Ely

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Redshirt freshman QB Phillip Ely could get some snaps under center if things go 'Bama's way this Saturday.

He took three snaps in a blowout win against Arkansas, completing two out of three passes for 15 yards.

Ely is a former U.S. Army All-American and led his prep team to a state title. Nick Saban is also very high on him, which leads us to believe that his snap count will increase as the season progresses.

"It's critical that he continues to develop," Saban said last spring during an interview with al.com.   

If the game is even semi-close, McCarron will likely play throughout.

But if the Crimson Tide lead by 4 TDs or more late in the game, Alabama's future starting quarterback will once again get to show us what he can do.

Landon Collins

Freshman safety Landon Collins is a YouTube sensation. Right now, he's actually most famous for his mom, who responded to her son's Alabama commitment with "Go Tigers."

Collins, however, could be set to make his name as a football player against Ole Miss.

Assuming Ole Miss trails throughout, they'll go through the air frequently. This is going to give Alabama's backup defensive backs more time on the field.

Collins, who entered this year third on the depth chart, boasts elite closing speed. He is big for a safety and has the potential to develop into one of the top DBs in the nation.

Saban will want him on the field this season, so he's fully ready to dominate in 2013. Saturday is a prime opportunity.

DeAndrew White

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One of Alabama's best strengths this year has been it's balanced and deep receiving corps, which will once again be on display this weekend.

Front and center could be sophomore WR DeAndrew White.

The Tide have 15 receivers with at least one reception. While balance is good, A.J. McCarron needs to develop a favorite and reliable target.

White, who entered the season first on the WR depth chart, has a year of experience under his belt, phenomenal hands and is one of the team's most dangerous deep threats.  

He's going to be huge during this year's biggest games, so expect McCarron to connect with White early and often.