Saban is 23-0 all time against former disciples, including 1-0 against Kiffin. Barring a few close games with former defensive coordinator Kirby Smart against Georgia, no other coach has given Saban more fits than Kiffin. Their two teams engaged in a sloppy, defense-optional game in Oxford in 2020, resulting in a 63-48 win for the Crimson Tide.
The Tide have homefield advantage this time around, but Kiffin has had an entire year to implement his offensive system, led by odds-on Heisman Trophy favorite Matt Corral. The redshirt junior has passed for 997 yards and nine touchdowns this season, adding yards and five scores on the ground. Running backs Jerrion Ealy and Henry Parrish Jr. have been efficient and explosive as well. They average 6.1 and 7.0 yards per carry, respectively, while totaling six rushing touchdowns apiece.
BENDER: Led by Corral, Ole Miss is up to the challenge of Alabama
The Tide aren’t exactly hurting for talent, either. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Young has proven a worthy successor in Alabama’s line of quarterbacks, following Heisman finalist Mac Jones. Through four games, he has 1,124 passing yards and 15 touchdowns to one interception, all while completing 72.1 percent of his passes. His favorite target to date has been Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams, who on top of his 299 receiving yards and three touchdowns also has two kickoff returns for scores.
The Alabama defense, which came into the season considered one of the best units in the country, has had some unexpected growing pains. That was most evident in a Week 3 game at No. 11 Florida, where the Gators largely abandoned the pass game in favor of an all-out rushing attack that gashed and gassed the Tide defense. Ole Miss will drop back to pass more, allowing Alabama to use its strength of pass-rush against Corral. Can this group, led by Will Anderson Jr., Henry To’oTo’o and Christian Harris, stop Kiffin and Co.?
Sporting News has you covered on how to watch the top-25, undefeated matchup between No. 1 Alabama and No. 12 Ole Miss in Tuscaloosa, Ala.:
MORE: Watch Alabama vs. Ole Miss live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
What channel is Alabama vs. Ole Miss on today?
TV channel (national): CBS Live stream: Paramount+, fuboTV
This cross-division SEC matchup will air nationally on CBS. Gary Danielson and Brad Nessler will call the game in the booth. They will be joined by sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl and rules analyst Gene Steratore.
Alabama vs. Ole Miss start time
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2 Kickoff: 3:30 p. m. ET
Alabama vs. Ole Miss will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
MORE: Matt Corral vs. Bryce Young: Comparing Ole Miss, Alabama QBs’ stats in early Heisman battle
