Upset-Minded Ole Miss Can't Overcome No. 2 Alabama

Article courtesy of SEC Sports Hub.

Alabama held off an Ole Miss team hungry for an upset in the waning moments of the game in typical Nick Saban fashion.

The Crimson Tide applied heavy pressure to Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead, forcing an errant throw and giving Alabama the ball to end the game.

Ole Miss gave No. 2 Alabama quite a scare, though, coming back from a 24-3 deficit to within four points.

The Rebels struck first on a 25-yard field goal from kicker Joshua Shene, capping a seven-play, 72 yard drive.

Alabama answered on their next possession, finding the end zone on a perfectly thrown 26 yard pass from quarterback John Parker Wilson to Marquis Maze in the right corner of the endzone.

The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 14-3 midway through the second quarter when running back Mark Ingram took a two yard carry up the middle behind the block of mammoth Terrence Cody.

Alabama safety Justin Woodall picked off Snead on the first play of Ole Miss’ ensuing possession to set up a 41 yard field goal from Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin four plays later.

Things got even worse for Ole Miss on their next possession, when an ill-advised play call from the Wild Rebel package went horribly wrong. Wide receiver Dexter McCluster badly underthrew a pass that was intercepted by safety Rashad Johnson.

John Parker Wilson hooked up with Mike McCoy for his second touchdown of the day on a 30-yard pass that put Alabama up 24-3 before the half.

Ole Miss came out strong in the second half, scoring on a fourth-and-nine play on a 9-yard carry from fullback Jason Cook. The score came after a 10-play, 52-yard drive and cut Alabama’s lead to 24-10.

The Rebels drew to within a touchdown of the Tide when Snead threw a 17-yard pass to Shay Hodge for the touchdown.

Shene added his third field goal of the day, a 35-yarder, a little over three minutes later to cut the lead to 24-20.

But the Crimson Tide defense stiffened the rest of the way, keeping the Rebels from scoring a potential game-winning touchdown.

With the win, Alabama moved to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the SEC, the first time a Nick Saban coached team has started 7-0.

The Rebels fell to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the SEC.