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.

He made his case again in one of his recent radio shows, explaining…