Alabama Football: 7 Things to Watch for in the Ole Miss Game

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Since I've been in the hospital and recovering this week, I have not talked to all the "usual suspects" and have no "inside" information about the upcoming game, game plan or objectives.

But just knowing Nick Saban, here's what I think you should watch for...

1. He has no animosity toward Houston Nutt and won't hand 80 points to them like he could easily do. They share the same agent, have many of the same friends and have been cordial to one another since Saban's LSU days.

Nutt hasn't shot his mouth off about Saban, and the two have a mutual respect for one another. So though the score will be lopsided, it won't be as bad as it could be.

2. Look for AJ to continue passing and working on timing. Saban is wanting more "explosive" plays from the offense, and they'll work on that this week.

3. Look for Eddie Lacy to return. He's been chomping at the bits and can't wait to hit the ground running.

4. Look for sacks from the 'Bama defense today. If you hadn't heard, Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt suspended four players, two of whom are key players, the starting center and the best running back they have.

It's going to be a long day for the Ole Miss offense without them.

The backup running back doesn't have the size or strength to be effective against Alabama, so they'll try and pass. But without their experienced center calling the blocking schemes, it's going to get real ugly really fast.

This will be another day to pad to defensive stats.

5. Look for lots of picks. Ole Miss is going to have to try and throw the ball and they'll be doing so with a hurried quarterback against a veteran defensive backfield.

This too could get really ugly really fast.

6. Look for Alabama to set rushing records today despite letting AJ pass so much. AJ will open up the running game for Richardson and he will have a great day.

So will the backups.

7. Look for Saban to go for more field goals and not be concerned about running the score up.

He wants the kickers to get their feet under them before the LSU game and nothing does that more than kicking in a live game.

So don't be upset if he doesn't go for it on 4th-and-1 with the backs averaging eight yards a carry. Now you'll know why he's doing that.