How the game was won: If it weren't for Dave Wommack’s defense, Wallace would have never had his shot. No, Ole Miss beat Alabama because the defensive line dominated, the linebackers were sure-handed, and the secondary came through when it counted most. Amari Cooper, arguably the best receiver in the country, was limited to 91 yards and no touchdowns. Lane Kiffin’s offense, which entered the contest averaging 594.2 yards per game, was held to fewer than 400 yards and one touchdown.
Game ball goes to: Wallace has always played with a bit of a split personality. During the first half, he was Bad Bo, throwing into coverage and generally playing without assertiveness. But late in the second half, Good Bo dressed out for Ole Miss. He exposed Alabama’s young secondary, throwing well-placed back-shoulder passes time and time again while pulling all the right strings on offense. In the end, he threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns on 18-of-31 passing, but his real impact was most felt in the final score.
What it means: If Good Bo stays under center, Ole Miss’ offense is as explosive as any in the SEC. Coupled with a veteran defense that gets after the quarterback and makes plays in the secondary, there’s nothing to say the Rebs can't be one of the best teams in the country. Beating Alabama at home might be the final boost of confidence that launches Hugh Freeze’s squad from promising to productive.
Play that changed the game: Alabama was driving, down six points after a blocked extra-point attempt. Blake Sims was moving the ball downfield with ease, inside Ole Miss' 30-yard line with under a minute remaining. But then there was a holding call. And then, after going almost the entire game without making a terrible decision, Sims forced a pass. Throwing into the end zone, Senquez Golson beat out O.J. Howard for the football, landed one foot in bounds and sealed the win with an interception.
Playoff implication: Alabama isn’t out of it yet. Looking at the SEC West, it’s doubtful any team goes undefeated. But while the Tide look to regain their footing, the Rebs are in good shape. Already a top-15 team in the polls, a win over Alabama could vault them into the top five. With games against Texas A&M, LSU, Auburn and Mississippi State remaining, Ole Miss will have more than enough opportunities to show the playoff committee its worth.
What’s next: Things don’t get any easier for Ole Miss. A trip to Texas A&M comes next. The Aggies, who were thoroughly dominated at Mississippi State, should come out hungry and ready to prove they’re still in the playoff hunt.
Game ball goes to: Wallace has always played with a bit of a split personality. During the first half, he was Bad Bo, throwing into coverage and generally playing without assertiveness. But late in the second half, Good Bo dressed out for Ole Miss. He exposed Alabama’s young secondary, throwing well-placed back-shoulder passes time and time again while pulling all the right strings on offense. In the end, he threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns on 18-of-31 passing, but his real impact was most felt in the final score.
What it means: If Good Bo stays under center, Ole Miss’ offense is as explosive as any in the SEC. Coupled with a veteran defense that gets after the quarterback and makes plays in the secondary, there’s nothing to say the Rebs can't be one of the best teams in the country. Beating Alabama at home might be the final boost of confidence that launches Hugh Freeze’s squad from promising to productive.
Play that changed the game: Alabama was driving, down six points after a blocked extra-point attempt. Blake Sims was moving the ball downfield with ease, inside Ole Miss' 30-yard line with under a minute remaining. But then there was a holding call. And then, after going almost the entire game without making a terrible decision, Sims forced a pass. Throwing into the end zone, Senquez Golson beat out O.J. Howard for the football, landed one foot in bounds and sealed the win with an interception.
Playoff implication: Alabama isn’t out of it yet. Looking at the SEC West, it’s doubtful any team goes undefeated. But while the Tide look to regain their footing, the Rebs are in good shape. Already a top-15 team in the polls, a win over Alabama could vault them into the top five. With games against Texas A&M, LSU, Auburn and Mississippi State remaining, Ole Miss will have more than enough opportunities to show the playoff committee its worth.
What’s next: Things don’t get any easier for Ole Miss. A trip to Texas A&M comes next. The Aggies, who were thoroughly dominated at Mississippi State, should come out hungry and ready to prove they’re still in the playoff hunt.
