Lane Kiffin Overpromises and Underdelivers in Matchup with Crimson Tide
"Get your popcorn ready," said Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin just moments before his No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels got underway against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Kiffin dropped the mic on CBS but then he and his Rebels dropped the ball while taking on the Crimson Tide. Ole Miss and its vaunted offense, averaging 635 yards per game, was held scoreless on six straight possessions in the first half with the Crimson Tide built a 28-0 lead.
The Lane Train opted to try five, fourth down conversions in the first half but his Rebels only managed to convert two of them, both on the first drive of the game.
Alabama made it's first fourth down stop on its own 6-yard line in an area the Rebels could have opted for an early field goal. On the Rebels second drive they failed to convert from the 47-yard line, setting Alabama up with a short field to get up 14-0. In fact Kiffin's cavalier attitude led him to attempt a conversion from his own 31-yard line. The Rebels failed to convert, leaving Alabama with just a 27-yard field to extend its lead to three scores.
Alabama's defense held the Rebels to just 109 total yards in the first half, limiting Ole Miss to just .9 yards rushing on 17 attempts. Alabama's ability to stop the rush and pressure Matt Corral by sacking him twice and causing a fumble stifled any hope Ole Miss had of building momentum and getting into the game.
Kiffin's offense did manage to muster 21 second half points, which some Alabama fans may be unhappy with, but the Rebels' slow start combined with Alabama's excellent execution allowed for the Tide to cruise to an easy victory.
Alabama scored a touchdown on four of its five first half drives to put the game out of reach early. Bryce Young found John Metchie and Cameron Latu for first half touchdown passes and super senior Brian Robinson scored two of his four touchdowns in the first half to knock the Rebels out quickly.
Young completed 20-of-26 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson finished the day with 36 carries for 171 and four touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide rolled at home defeating Ole Miss 42-21 to continue its undefeated 2021 season. The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide's next game is No. 15 Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. CT.
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