Ever since Alabama finally overcame Florida and Tim Tebow, Nick Saban's Tide teams have become the dominant force in the SEC. Saban is 29-5 against the current crop of SEC coaches, by far the best record, however only 2-2 against Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze. Ole Miss has beaten Alabama the last two times they have played the Tide but have little to show for it, somehow not managing to capitalize on those wins with trips to the SEC championship.
Freeze was asked ahead of this week's matchup if he felt that Ole Miss has closed the gap with Alabama,
"I would love for you to ask me that on Saturday," Freeze said. "We'll have a pretty good idea, based upon the last two years, where I think we are and how I see them live. You're never quite sure exactly what teams have when you see them on tape.
"I have great respect for (Nick Saban) and the job he's done. They just continue to stockpile depth with 4- and 5-star kids. It's very difficult to say that you're ever going to overcome the gap. I think we've closed it considerably; obviously, the proof is on the field. Do you ever overcome that? Probably not.
"But you don't have to if you stay healthy and get quality players. Your depth chart may not be on an even playing field. But if you have a two-deep who are good enough to play and you get the right system and the right plan that has a chance to be successful against them, I think you have a fighting chance. I'll know more about that after Saturday."
You know how you close the gap with Alabama? Championships. Maybe one day Ole Miss will play for one.
