OXFORD – My first impulse is for me to start this column. The field ruling is that the No. Today, Alabama beat Ole Miss by 48 to 43. This score is still under review. I can’t get rid of the words “under further review” because they are in my head like an earworm. The game lasted for four hours and two minutes without lightning delays or overtime. Alabama won the game and is now 1-2. Georgia will be in town next Saturday. There were almost as many momentum swings in the game as replay reviews. Alabama led Alabama by 24-3, then led 48-30. They won the game on a hot and muggy day that seemed to never end. “We have players and coaches getting IVs, but the old man doesn’t require one. Afterward, Nick Saban from Bama said that it was a “great college football game.” You were not the only one who felt that almost all replays went against the Rebels. Hugh Freeze stated that he had not seen anything similar to it but added, “I know the guys from Birmingham have a lot better views than me out there.” It’s up to you to get them right.” A not-so-instant replay Freeze must loathe even more is this: Against then-No. Ole Miss was the 2nd ranked Florida State. Ole Miss won 28-6. And lost. Opposed to No. Ole Miss won 24-3. And they lost. Ole Miss would be the No. 1 team in the country if games lasted 30 minutes rather than 60 minutes. No. 1 ranked team. The rules say that you must play 60 minutes. No. 19 Ole Miss could drop to 1-2, whether it is fair or not. Freeze stated, “I love fighting and I love to give my all.” “We are so short-handed in defense right now… We are playing many young players in a lot a areas.” It’s true that Jalen Hurts from Alabama was the hero of this match. The Tide won the battle against the odds thanks to the 18-year-old freshman who was playing high-school ball in Texas. Bama trailing 17-3 with three minutes remaining in the first period, Hurts switched to passing and never saw Ole Miss defensive lineman Marquis Haynes, who was running full speed from his blind side. Haynes slobber-knocked Hurts and tossed the ball out. Rebel John Youngblood grabbed it and ran 44 yards for a touchdown. Bama was down 24-3, and Hurts looked groggy. Haynes would claim, “I can’t hit anyone harder than I hit him.” “I was on an outside blitz, and no one touched me. I hit him with everything I had. Jalen earned my respect to return from that and play like he did.” Hurts ran 18 times for the 146 yard. He completed 19 out of 31 passes, for 158 yard. After nearly being killed in his first road game as a college football quarterback, he managed to complete 19 of 31 passes for 158 yards. Dave Wommack, Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator, said that he is a tough kid and can run it. He gives Alabama a tool they don’t have and they used him well. He’s a coach’s son, and it’s obvious.” The Tide also had 144 rushing yards from Damien Harris, the Tide’s tailback. Harris wore No. 34 is built like Walter Payton, and Saturday’s run was reminiscent of Payton. Bama ran 334 yards and 218 yards in the second period, when Ole Miss’ defense was clearly gassed. This is partly because, in the first half, when the Rebels were leading 24-3, they were losing badly on time of possession. Nearly 11 minutes of the first quarter were spent with the ball by the Tide, and nearly 20 minutes of the entire first half. Freeze stated, “No doubt that was a major factor.” “We got tired.” Defensive Coordinator Dave Wommack stated that “we were out there too much.” “Plus, they’re beat up. You would like to see more defensive linemen and linebackers but …” They are short on both. Wommack stated that physical wear and tear can lead to mental decline. “I don’t like to make excuses. We just need to get some players back, and get better.” Rick Cleveland is Mississippi Today’s sports columnist. His columns are available on his Sports Daily blog. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story