Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide have a tough one on the schedule this weekend.

The Tide host No. 15 Ole Miss Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Rebels have downed Tulane and Georgia Tech, but face their biggest test yet against Alabama’s strong defense.

This Ole Miss squad has looked good so far this season. The Rebels offense especially is playing well with QB Jaxson Dart under center.

Dart beat out Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders to win back the starting job he earned last season. And Dart is running with his opportunity with a strong start to 2023 against a good Tulane defense. He followed it up with a dominant performance against a not-so-good Georgia Tech defense in Week 3.

At the SEC’s weekly teleconference Wednesday, Saban spoke to Dart’s efficacy under center prior to the top 25 matchup Saturday:

“We thought he was a really good player last year. So I think he’s playing extremely well this year. I can’t really say there’s a great comparison, but he’s throwing the ball well, he’s always a threat as a runner. They have quarterback runs in their offense, which he does a great job of reading them. And this guy’s tough and a great competitor, will be really challenging for us to play him run and pass.”

Dart has so far completed 45 of his 68 passing attempts for 852 yards, 7 touchdown and an interception.