Alabama vs. Ole Miss – A True Southern Gentlemen’s Rivalry

Alabama’s 2012 victims on the Quad.

Southern football has been in existence for a little over 100 years now. In that time, some intense rivalries have developed between Alabama and the other dominant SEC teams.

“The Third Saturday in October” can only be described as pure hatred; Florida is always trying to knock us off in the SEC Championship; and the LSU game has become the national title game (literally). There were a few years there where The Iron Bowl threatened to tear the state apart, but Auburn is now back in their rightful place at the bottom of the conference.

There will be no “pure hatred” this weekend, against Auburn. This definitely won’t be two teams playing for a BCS title berth. It probably won’t even be a close game.

The Alabama and Ole Miss series dates back to 1894, although the two teams have only met 59 times, with a 20 year gap from 1944-1964. Alabama’s longest winning streak against the Rebels (or Black Bears, whatever they are) is 12 games, with the Tide completely shutting out Ole Miss for seven straight years in that span. Ole Miss has never won two games in a row against Alabama and has only won once in Tuscaloosa.

This rivalry isn’t all about the game though.

Oxford and Tuscaloosa have two of the best gameday atmospheres in the country. This year it’s Tuscaloosa’s turn to throw the biggest party in the South and play host to a classy group of tailgaters from across the state line. This is the true essence of “The True Southern Gentleman’s Rivalry”.

To Alabama fans, Ole Miss has a Southern charm and ability to throw a tailgate party reminiscent of our own. Alabama can tip its hat to them in this regard, and will welcome Rebels fans to a good time out on the Quad this Saturday. With the game not starting until 8:15 p.m., the two fan bases will have all day to celebrate what it means to be a football fan in the South.

It is a good thing Ole Miss fans get to party all day, because they won’t have much left to celebrate around 11:00 p.m.

Score Prediction: Alabama wins, 38-3.

Just remember, nobody loses the party.

If you happen to be in T-Town this weekend, Tweet at us or Tweet us a pic of your experience. We may even feature you on the site. Use @AlabamaGamedayr, @Gamedayr, or @Danny_Owen_ and don’t forget to use the #Gamedayr.

What do you think Gamedayrs?