Alabama Football: Players Key to Success for Crimson Tide vs. Ole Miss

Alabama has looked like the best team in college football since the first snap of the 2012 season, and it would be shocking if they did not convincingly beat Ole Miss this weekend.

But no team in the SEC should be taken likely, and the Crimson Tide must remain focused when the Rebels come to Tuscaloosa.

Nick Saban has his team playing efficiently on offense, and the defense does not appear to have taken a step back from last season.

Here are the players who will be instrumental in keeping the team on track.

A.J. McCarron, Quarterback

Alabama's offense is based on the run, but A.J. McCarron’s nearly flawless play this season has made the offense extremely potent.

McCarron has completed 51 of his 81 attempts thus far for 819 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions.

He has been calm and poised in the pocket and has not forced any throws. His ability to play mistake-free football makes him the perfect quarterback for the Crimson tide.

With the defense dominating and McCarron keeping the offense running smoothly, it is unlikely the Tide will be tested against the Rebels.

Jesse Williams, Nose Tackle

Alabama consistently dominates in the trenches on both sides of the ball. On defense, nose tackle Jesse Williams leads the charge.

He is listed at 6’4”, 320 pounds and is rumored to have bench pressed 600 pounds during the offseason.

Williams is freakishly strong, and routinely tosses offensive lineman around like they are made out of cardboard. It takes at least two men to block him on every play.

With Williams continuing to dominate at nose tackle, the Alabama defense will once again stifle its opponent.

C.J. Mosley, Linebacker

For Alabama, their success completely revolves around defense. This season, no defensive player has played better than Mosley.

Mosley has 29 tackles through four games with 1.5 sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble.

The Crimson Tide’s defense is suffocating due to the speed and athleticism of the linebacking corps. Mosley is a tackling machine who does not allow opposing offenses any room.

If Mosley continues to be a significant presence on defense against Ole Miss, the Tide will cruise to 5-0 and 2-0 in the SEC.