Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Mississipp­i (2-2, 1-0 SEC) at No. 2 Alabama (4-0, 1-0), Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EDT (CBS)

Line: Alabama by 37½. Series record: Alabama leads 50-10-2.

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WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Alabama is hoping to enter its first open date on a high note — and without any more injuries — after going mostly unchalleng­ed through the first four games. The Rebels are seeking a huge upset after a tough loss to No. 15 California.

KEY MATCHUP

QB Tua Tagovailoa and Alabama’s prolific passing offense against a defense that ranks 12th in the league in pass defense. Tagovailoa has thrown for 17 touchdowns without an intercepti­on. Ole Miss is allowing 288.5 passing yards per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mississipp­i: RB Scottie Phillips could help out an uncertain quarterbac­k situation after Matt Corral left the Cal game with bruised ribs. Phillips is averaging 90.5 rushing yards with four touchdowns.

Alabama: LB Anfernee Jennings has been a force in rushing the passer. He has three sacks to lead the team and his 20 tackles ranks third.

FACTS & FIGURES

Alabama has won 28 in a row at home and 43 of 44 . ... The Rebels’ last win over a ranked opponent was 31-28 over No. 17 Mississipp­i State in 2017 . ... The Tide has won the past three meetings after dropping two in a row in 2014 and 2015 . ... Alabama guard Deonte Brown is returning from a four-game NCAA suspension, though coach Nick Saban hasn’t said if he’d resume his starting role . ... Ole Miss set season highs with 348 passing yards and 525 total yards against Cal . ... The Rebels lead the SEC in tackles for loss and rank second in sacks.

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