The top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide hosts the Ole Miss Rebels in their third home game of the season and first home game in Southeastern Conference play.

Historically, Alabama has dominated the Rebels with an all-time series record of 48-11-2 (52-10-2 on the field).

In recent seasons, Ole Miss has given Alabama fits over the last three years with wins in 2014 and 2015 plus a near miss last year when Alabama stormed back from a 24-3 deficit to win 48-43.

Alabama comes in at 4-0 (1-0 SEC) while Ole Miss has a 2-1 overall record and will open SEC play after enjoying a bye week.

Kickoff is set for 8 PM on ESPN.

Prior to Saturday night’s affair, find out three things you need to know about the Ole Miss Rebels.

 

Shea Patterson: Playmaking QB

Although fans will see limited glimpses of quarterback Shea Patterson due to a self-imposed bowl ban issued by Ole Miss, Patterson could be the most dynamic quarterback that Alabama faces in the regular season.

The sophomore signal caller has already set one school record for passing yards in a single game with 489 yards against UT-Martin and has set another SEC record.

Patterson has posted 1,281 passing yards which is the most for an SEC quarterback since the league expanded to 12 teams in 1992 and 14 teams in 2012.

So far in 2017, the Shreveport, Louisiana native leads the SEC in passing yards per game (427) and passing efficiency (181.9).

 

Acing the Wunderlich (Test)

Besides Shea Patterson at quarterback, a primary strength for the Rebels is at placekicker.

Senior Gary Wunderlich was nearly perfect on field goal attempts last year converting 22 of his 23 attempts. Prior to his missed field goal against South Alabama, Wunderlich made a school record 19 straight field goal attempts.

The Memphis native was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2016, is on the watch list for the award this season and is 55 points away from the school’s all-time record for career points.

 

Youth Movement

The Rebels replaced 11 starters from last year heading into the 2017 season.

In the season opener against South Alabama, five players made their debut starts including wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, defensive end Victor Evans, defensive tackle Josiah Courtney, linebacker Donta Evans and free safety C.J. Moore.

In addition to five new starters, 26 players made their appearances in a collegiate game against South Alabama.

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