Ole Miss Defense Exhibited Improvements, Despite Loss to Alabama

On a positive note in Saturday's loss, the Rebel defense manifested signs of improvement that could be built on leading into Week 5's matchup against LSU.

In the previous two weeks, the Ole Miss Rebels defense had shown concerns under new defensive coordinator Pete Golding. This week, Golding was matched up against his former team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, in his first true test of the season. 

The Rebel defense manifested serious signs of improvement, holding Alabama to just six points in the first-half. Despite sizable gaps along the right side of the defensive line, which quarterback Jalen Milroe manipulated a few times early, the defense was able to consistently pressure him. The more pressure on Milroe, the less space he has to do what he does best: the third down-scramble.

The Rebels had a punt blocked after Alabama receiver Ja’Corey Brooks got his hand on the Fraser Masin punt inside the Rebels' end zone. His block sent the ball out of bounds at the Ole Miss one-yard line. Despite the advantageous starting field position, Alabama wasn't able to capitalize.

Center Seth McLaughlin's snap on first-and-goal sailed over Milroe's head, causing the Crimson Tide to scramble to get it back on the 14-yard-line. From there, Milroe was sacked by Jamond Gordon on second down and Ladarius Tennison on third, respectively. This set the Crimson Tide all the way back to the Ole Miss 22, where kicker Will Reichard kicked a 39-yard field goal to send the score to 7-6, still in favor of the Rebels.

There is not much more you can ask for from a defense than what was shown on that drive. They were able to maintain the lead and get the ball back in the hands of the nation's No. 4-ranked offense. For the Rebel offense to not capitalize on a major defensive stop, especially a major red-zone-stop, simply will not get the job done in Title Town.

The defense had four sacks on Jalen Milroe and coupled an interception in the end zone by Zamari Walton on a bad Milroe pass due to pressure from the defensive line.

On a positive note, Suntarine Perkins stepped up with four total tackles and two sacks to finish off his afternoon. The true freshman has a nose for the ball and plays physical, something Golding has harped on the entire week leading into this top-15 matchup. He was the “only player Alabama wanted” on the Ole Miss squad, and his solid performance today builds on that narrative.

Yes, Ole Miss fell to Alabama by two scores, but the defensive improvements shown from Golding's squad is something the Rebels can find as momentum heading into another crucial SEC West matchup against Louisiana State University next week.