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Why Ole Miss game is a referendum on Nick Saban's defensive evolution

Nick Saban routinely says he doesn't like to look ahead because it creates anxiety. He repeated that refrain again Monday. But don't think for a second Saban waited until this week to ruminate about the much-anticipated rematch with Ole Miss on Saturday.

In many ways, it's dominated his thoughts for quite a while. Those who have hung on Saban's every word have noticed that the Alabama coach keeps mentioning his disapproval of the NCAA's three-yard limit for an ineligible player downfield and how it is enforced on run-pass option plays.

At SEC Media Days, he used his bully pulpit to decry the rule and how it has been skirted.