INSTANT: Crimson Tide throttles Ole Miss

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CW / Hannah Saad

James Benedetto and James Ogletree, Sports Editors

Intro: Alabama continued its dominance over Ole Miss with a 59-31 win in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa set school records for passing and total touchdowns and receiver DeVonta Smith set school records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Play of the game: Any of Smith’s touchdowns would do. However, Smith showed his athleticism as he snatched the ball over the head of the Ole Miss defensive back. The catch capped off an eight-play, 32-yard drive and was Smith’s fifth touchdown of the day, setting a new school record.

 

Offensive player of the game:

James Benedetto: Tua Tagovailoa

James Ogletree: DeVonta Smith

Fan vote: DeVonta Smith

 

Defensive player of the game:

James Benedetto: Christian Harris 

James Ogletree: Xavier McKinney

Fan vote: Anfernee Jennings

 

Notes:

  • For the second straight week, Alabama struck first on the first drive of the game. Smith broke off a 74-yard catch-and-run for the score, his fourth TD reception of the season. 
  • Ole Miss took advantage of a botched punt by Jaylen Waddle. With the short field, the Rebels took advantage using just seven plays to go 30 yards for a touchdown by John Rhys Plumlee. 
  • On its next drive, Ole Miss drove from its own 19-yard line all the way to Alabama’s 16-yard line but walked away with a field goal. This was the first time Alabama has trailed in a game this season. 
  • Tagovailoa got Alabama back on top, 14-10, with a 7-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter. That was his 81st career touchdown at Alabama, breaking A.J. McCarron’s school record.
  • Joseph Bulovas made a 36-yard field goal to put the Crimson Tide up a full touchdown. Junior receiver Henry Ruggs III returned to the game on the drive after missing a few series with a lower-body injury.
  • Smith had a massive first half against the Rebels. Smith had eight catches for 221 yards and a school-record four touchdowns in the first half. 
  • Smith caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa in the third quarter to break Amari Cooper’s single-game school record. Tagovailoa tied the school record of five passing touchdowns for the fourth time and Smith extended his school record for receiving touchdowns in one game on the play.
  • Smith finished with 11 catches for 274 yards and five touchdowns.
  • Alabama scored on special teams when sophomore Ale Kaho blocked a punt and dove on the ball in the endzone.
  • Tagovailoa threw a 19-yard passing touchdown to tight end Miller Forristall. With the touchdown, Tagovailoa finally broke the school record for touchdowns in a single game recording his sixth. The score put Alabama up 59-24, the final victory margin.