Crimson Tide vs Ole Miss: Three Rebel Players to Watch

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 10, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels cheerleaders during the first half against the Wofford Terriers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

When the Crimson Tide takes on the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, here are three Rebels to keep your eye on during the game.

You know what they say. Always know the enemy and what they are capable of doing. Crimson Tide fans pride themselves in knowing about the other team that they are facing each weekend.

On Saturday, Coach Nick Saban and Alabama will head to Oxford to stop the bleeding from the Rebels’ current success against Alabama and stop their streak at two in a row.

Which Ole Miss players should Tide fans keep an eye on? We picked out three with two coming from the offensive side of the ball and one coming from the defense.

It would be a lot more ideal after the game if we are discussing how quiet these individuals were against Alabama. That would mean a great day at the office and more than likely a win if they can be held ineffective for the most part.

Let’s get to it and find out who we need to pay attention to on Saturday.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) sacks Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarquis Gates

You can see in the photograph above why he is one to watch.

If the Crimson Tide offensive line is still having struggles on Saturday, Gates could have a big day at his outside linebacker spot. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, who will likely get the start, will be facing his first SEC defense in an away game. Hurts can use his legs but that offensive line will have to do their job as well and give him some protection. The Tide’s true freshman hasn’t seemed rattled in the least bit so far, so let’s hope Gates doesn’t get that trend started.

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With the first two games being in the books for the Rebels, Gates is leading the Ole Miss defense with two sacks thus far. He also ranks third in tackles with 13 total and leads the team with tackles for loss with two.

He’s not a newcomer standout for the Rebels, either. Last season, he led the team in tackles with 76 and he knows their defense inside and out.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Evan Engram

Can we talk seriously just a moment? Has Evan Engram been playing for Ole Miss for the last 25 years? Man, it sure seems like it.

When you don’t have a major threat in the rushing game, you start to look at other targets and Kelly connects with his tight end often.

In the last two games against Alabama, the Rebels haven’t had over 100 yards rushing in either game. When you can pass like they do and with costly mistakes from Alabama in each game, they didn’t need to.

Engram was held fairly quiet last season against Alabama with only one reception for 22 yards. In 2014, he led the Ole Miss receivers with three receptions for 73 yards. He’s also the all-time leader for the Rebels in receptions and receiving yards for a tight end.

Now, to the present. He presently leads Ole Miss in receptions with 11 catches for 164 yards.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) warms up prior to a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Chad Kelly

The Ole Miss Rebels will go as Chad Kelly goes.