Key SEC West Matchup As No. 3 Alabama Faces No. 20 Mississippi

NFL News - October 8th, 2009 - Written by Scott

No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide will be looking to stay undefeated on Saturday as they travel to play No. 20 Mississippi in a pivotal SEC West matchup. Alabama is coming off their 38-20 win over Kentucky last weekend and Mississippi defeated Vanderbilt 23-7. Ole Miss (3-1, 1-1) began the season as a viable contender both nationally and in the SEC. This game will be important for the Rebels to have any shot of making it to the SEC title game. Alabama is sitting undefeated in the SEC West along with Auburn and LSU. Alabama won their meeting last year with Mississippi 24-20.

The offense for Alabama has been giving their opponents problems all season with their multiple threat options. They are ranked 14th in the nation in yards per game (462) and are averaging 40 points per contest. Quarterback Greg McElroy, in his first year as the starter, has been very consistent this year and has passed for 1,086 yards and 9 touchdowns with just 1 interception. Alabama's rushing attack is averaging 228 yards per game and they have a loaded backfield with many players getting touches. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson are their leading rushers and have combined for 783 yards and 10 touchdowns. They also have two other backs with over 100 yards. Marquis Maze leads a receiving group which has six receivers with over 100 yards receiving and has 194 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The defense for Alabama has been dominant all season, but will face a test this week against the Rebels and quarterback Jevan Snead. They are ranked 2nd nationally in total defense, 4th in rushing defense, and 10th in passing defense. They have done a great job in limiting their opponents' offensive production all season.

Mississippi's offense has not been as explosive as expected this year, despite averaging 32.5 points per game. Snead has not lived up to the preseason hype that he received, but has been consistent enough to lead the Rebels to a 3-1 start. He has passed for 728 yards and 9 touchdowns on the year. Their running attack is led by Branden Bolden. He has 297 yards rushing and 1 touchdown. Shay Hodge is the team's leading receiver with 269 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The story this year for the Mississippi Rebels has been on the defensive side of the ball. Ole Miss is only giving up 10 points a game in their first four games. Their pass defense has been outstanding and they are ranked 2nd nationally in pass defense efficiency. They can expect to be tested by Alabama, as the Crimson Tide are averaging 239 yards per game through the air.

Alabama comes into Saturday's game as 5 1/2 point favorites over Mississippi according to the oddsmakers at BoDog Sportsbook. However, Mississippi is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Alabama.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/