TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Ole Miss took a 7-6 lead on a one-yard touchdown run by Jeff Scott early in the second quarter, but No. 1 Alabama responded and returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards to regain the lead and won 33-14 on Saturday night.
The Rebels (3-2, 0-1 SEC) went over 200 yards of total offense (218), only the third time the Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0 SEC) allowed more than 200 yards this season.
On its first three drives, Ole Miss held Alabama to a punt and two 38-yard field goals.
Sparked by pass interference against Alabama, Ole Miss drove 75 yards on 13 plays, capped by Scott’s touchdown run to take the lead. It was the first time the Crimson Tide trailed this season.
On the ensuing kickoff, Christion Jones returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. On the next drive, Bo Wallace threw his first of two interceptions, and Alabama took over in Ole Miss territory at the 35-yard line.
Ole Miss looked to have held Alabama to its third field-goal attempt of the game, but what was ruled a third-down incompletion in the end zone was overturned, and the Crimson Tide extended its lead to 20-7.
Wallace threw his second interception on the next drive, but Pierce Burton forced a fumble on the return, and Scott recovered for Ole Miss. Three plays later, Randall Mackey was intercepted.
Alabama converted four third-down plays on its next drive, including a 12-yard touchdown pass from AJ McCarron to Amari Cooper, their second connection of the night to send the Crimson Tide to halftime with a 27-7 lead.
After a three-and-out on its first drive of the second half, Ole Miss forced a three-and-out, and the Rebels took over at its own 30-yard line.
On the next drive, Ole Miss converted two third-down plays and two-fourth down plays, and Mackey capped a 16-play, 70-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown on a sweep outside to cut the lead to 27-14.
Alabama added two fourth-quarter field goals to extend the lead to 33-14.
STATS:
Wallace was 15-of-26 passing for 123 yards and two interceptions.
Scott led the way on the ground, rushing for 49 yards on 19 carries, followed by Mackey with 32 yards on four carries.
Vince Sanders caught a career-high seven passes for a career-high 46 yards.
Cody Prewitt recorded a career-high 13 tackles, while Denzel Nkemdiche recorded a career-high 11 tackles, including three for loss and two forced fumbles.
