Crimson Tide Defeats Ole Miss the "Old School" Way

(Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

In a game that would have made "old school" coaches like Vince Dooley, Johnny Majors, and Bear Bryant smile, Alabama used field position, a strong running game, a dominating defense, ball control, and a sound kicking game to defeat Houston Nutt's Ole Miss Rebels.

Leigh Tiffin went 5-for-5 on field goals moving him even farther up the list of Alabama's greatest kickers, and Mark Ingram rushed for 172 yards, and one touchdown to secure the 22-3 victory for Alabama in Oxford, Miss.

Ole Miss chose a slow death, as time after time their defense turned Alabama away inside the red zone, forcing them to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.

The Tide pounded at the Rebels' defense like the waves of an angry sea, but still only managed one touchdown on the day.

The only time Ole Miss submitted to the Tide's relentless attack was in the closing seconds of the first half, when Ingram finally broke loose for a 36 yard run down the left side, securing a 16-0 lead for Alabama going into halftime. 

It would be the only time that either team crossed the goal line the entire day.

Alabama's passing game seemed a little anemic as its normally efficient quarterback, Greg McElroy, seemed out of sync with his receivers, only going 15-of-34, for 147 yards.

McElroy seemed determined to feed the ball to Julio Jones, but the two failed to connect on several occasions down on the goal line.

Alabama forced five turnovers, and only gave up one, which was instrumental in the outcome of the game.

Even the special teams got into the act when Cory Reamer blocked an Ole Miss punt near the goal line, which led to one of Alabama's scores. Reamer had his best game on defense as well, helping fill the gap left by the injured Dont'a Hightower.

Alabama's defense was spectacular only allowing 72 yards rushing, and causing Jevan Snead to throw four interceptions.

Rolando McClain and company put on a defensive clinic, even without Hightower, who is recovering from knee surgery, and will miss the rest of the season. 

It was Alabama's defense that carried the day by smothering Ole Miss, and giving the ball back to its offense time after time.

Both Snead and McElroy spent most of Saturday afternoon picking themselves up off the turf, as both the Tide's and Rebels' defenses harassed, and hurried the quarterbacks mercilessly.

Both teams came in prepared and determined, but the Tide was just too well coached and talented to allow Ole Miss to gain any momentum as the game wore on.

Ole Miss made several attempts to get back in the game in the second half, but Alabama's defense would have none of it, and turned them away again and again.

The game was full of great defense and momentum swings, but the outcome never seemed in doubt as Alabama seemed to control the game from the onset.

Saban said in the post-game press conference that he was proud of his team for playing a complete game, and went on to say, “The turnovers were huge in the game…But I can’t tell you how proud I am of the effort and toughness and competitive character that it took to win this game,” 

Next week's game with 5-1 South Carolina takes on even more importance, due to the fact that two of the top three teams in the SEC West lost Saturday.

LSU and Auburn both lost Saturday, and the defeat of Ole Miss by Alabama leaves the Tide sitting on top of the SEC Western Division alone.

With both LSU and Auburn still ahead on Alabama's schedule, Alabama cannot afford a loss to the Gamecocks, if they still want to be in complete control of their destiny.

With the game against Ole Miss now behind them, Alabama is one step closer to returning to Atlanta, and their showdown with the Florida Gators.

The No. 1 Gators knocked off No. 4 LSU in Baton Rouge shortly after Alabama disposed of the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday afternoon in Oxford.

No. 3 Alabama still has six games between them and the SEC Championship Game, Dec. 5 in Atlanta, Ga.

Alabama and its fans must be careful not to look too far down the road, but one thing is certain, if Nick Saban is happy with his team, then Alabama fans should be happy as well.

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