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College Football Week Three Preview: #1 Alabama vs. #19 Ole Miss

By Eric Robinson

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) warms up prior to a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) warms up prior to a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Ole Miss Will Win

If the Rebels are to walk out of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium with a victory in their pocket, Kelly will have to play one of the best games of his career. Not that the Rebels are short of talent. That definitely is not the case. This version of the Ole Miss Rebels will go as far as Chad Kelly takes them.

Kelly so far has accumulated 532 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions and don’t forget that he torched Alabama for 341 yards and three touchdowns last year in Tuscaloosa. Running back Akeem Judd (108 yards, TD) is the leading rusher but his game will have to be elevated as well to keep the Alabama defense honest.

Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Ole Miss Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) looks to pitch the ball during the last play of the game against the Auburn Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Auburn defeated Ole Miss 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Ole Miss Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) looks to pitch the ball during the last play of the game against the Auburn Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Auburn defeated Ole Miss 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

The strength of the Ole Miss offense lies within their receiving corps as the Rebels utilize an up-tempo scheme. Tight end Evan Engram (11 catches, 164 yards, TD) is versatile as he can line up practically anywhere and can be a handful for the Crimson Tide defense.

Kelly also has a number of targets at wide receiver in Damore’ea Stringfellow (eight catches, 81 yards, TD), Van Jefferson (six catches, 54 yards, TD) and AJ Brown (four catches, 63 yards, TD).

Edge rusher Marquis Haynes (11 tackles, one sack) is one of the premier pass rushers in the country and it will be interesting to see where he is lined up. Outside linebacker DeMarquis Gates (13 tackles, two sacks) is making his mark after leading the team in tackles last season. Nose tackle D.J Jones is essential to the Rebels walking away with a win.

Alabama will try to establish the run as well as make life comfortable for Hurts. His ability to get a constant push and make life rough for Hurts can go a long way.

Next: Prediction

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