Improved Ole Miss defense faces next test in No. 4 Alabama and SEC-leading Mark Searsby:Jake Thompson•01/14/25•JakeThompsonOn3Read In AppJan 11, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oates talks with Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) prior to the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn ImagesThrough the first three games of SEC play No. 21 Ole Miss showed improve play on defense but No. 4 Alabama will challenge it.