The third time was the charm.
No. 19 Ole Miss was looking for its third consecutive victory over Alabama, but thanks to a punt return as well as several defensive touchdowns, the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide walked out of Vaught–Hemingway Stadium with a 48-43 victory.
“It was an unbelievable game for fans to watch,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban told reporters with a smile. “It was really a difficult game for an old coach to have to suffer through. But we made it. We made it and I’m really proud of our players.”
Ole Miss jumped right out of the gates to take a 24-3 lead and looked well on their way to blowing the game open. With under three minutes to go in the first half, Ole Miss defensive end Marquis Haynes forced a fumble which fellow defensive lineman John Youngblood scooped up and ran 44 yards for a touchdown.
The 21-point deficit was the largest ever in the Saban era at Alabama and Saturday’s comeback also tied a school record which was also set against Ole Miss (1989).
But back came Alabama.
.@AlabamaFTBL is right back in it!
What a punt return by Eddie Jackson. 85 yards to the house. https://t.co/2m371z2hhb
— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 17, 2016
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley ran in for a six-yard score to cut the deficit to 24-10. After the Rebels were forced to punt on their next drive, Alabama’s Eddie Jackson returned a punt 85 yards for the score just before the half. In all, the Crimson Tide scored two touchdowns in 65 seconds to trim the deficit to 24-17 game at the half.
Alabama kept the foot on the gas pedal as they jumped out to an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter before holding on for the win.
It was the second collapse in three weeks for the Rebels who lost to Florida State to open the season.
Chad Kelly threw for a career-high 421 yards and three touchdowns for Ole Miss, but it was two costly turnovers in the second half that let the game slip away for the Rebels.
Alabama freshman sensation Jalen Hurts threw for 158 yards and ran for a team-high 146 yards. Running back Damien Harris added 144 yards on the ground to go with a touchdown for the Crimson Tide.
Next Opponent
Alabama: The Crimson Tide host Kent State next Saturday.
Ole Miss: The Rebels have another important SEC game, hosting Georgia next Saturday.
