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Nick Saban calls Ole Miss’ revamped defense ‘very challenging’ ahead of showdown
By Keith Farner
Published:
Alabama coach Nick Saban knows a good team when he sees one, and that fits the description of Ole Miss.
Saban and the Crimson Tide will meet the Rebels on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS in Tuscaloosa in a battle of undefeated teams.
“Ole Miss is one of the best teams in the country, in my opinion,” Saban said on the SEC coaches media teleconference on Wednesday. “They’re much-improved on defense. … Their offense is one of the best in the nation. … They’re really well-coached. … Lane (Kiffin) has done a fantastic job there and it’s going to be a real challenge for us.”
Of course the biggest difference for Ole Miss this season is the improved defense.
“Their scheme is totally different,” Saban said. “They’re playing really Iowa State’s defensive scheme. It’s a 3-4 scheme, but they’re dropping 8 guys a lot. Rushing 3 guys a lot. Still have their pressures out of it and way to give you negative plays. It’s unusual relative to 4 guys rushing and 7 guys in coverage. … Very challenging.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
