Nick Saban on Crimson Tide's rebuilt wide receiver unit

The Alabama wide receiver unit has had to find a new identity this season. With DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle off to the NFL, the only recognizable name left in the room was John Metchie III.

But other names have emerged next to Metchie. Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams has emerged as an electric option in the pass game, put on full display with his 94-yard touchdown in Alabama’s season opener against Miami.

Williams and Metchie are combing to take over Smith’s workload. Against Florida on Saturday, Williams has 61 yards on four catches, while Metchie finished with 49 yards on six receptions. Through three weeks this season, Williams leads the team in receiving yards with 218 and tied for a team-best two receiving touchdowns.

Alabama coach Nick Saban has been pleased with the duo. But he also sees plenty of room for important with SEC play ramping up.  

“I think we want to develop more consistency at the position, I think we need to continue working on separating from man-to-man coverage, which is always what you need to do as a receiver,” Saban said Monday in his weekly press conference. “When people play zone, give you free access, you’re running to areas and getting in holes, that’s not nearly as challenging as when you have to beat a guy in man-to-man. I think that’s something we need to continue to work on.

“I think we have good players to do it, and I think we’re capable of doing it. We just need to be a little more consistent.”

Freshman JoJo Earle has emerged as an option in Bryce Young’s arsenal, with 128 yards on 10 receptions. Running back Jase McClellan has contributed in the passing game, too, with two touchdowns on eight receptions for 88 yards.

Paul Finebaum picks Alabama’s next ‘dangerous’ opponent

No. 1 Alabama have passed every test thrown its way so far this season, beating Miami in Week 1 and squeaking past Georgia in Week 3, but ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum cautioned Crimson Tide fans to not underestimate one high-powered team: the Ole Miss Rebels.

With only Southern Miss left on the schedule this week before returning to SEC play, the focus has shifted to the Ole Miss matchup on the calendar.

“It’s in two weeks,” Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. “It’s the Ole Miss game at home. And I know playing in the game at home may give Alabama fans a little bit more confidence, but Ole Miss is by far the most dangerous team in the SEC right now. Yes, we need a better measuring stick — and we’ll get one.”

Ole Miss, ranked No. 13 in the AP top-25, is 3-0 and has scored no less than 40 points in each game so far. A 43-24 performance over Louisville was only the predecessor to a 54-17 win over Austin Peay, and in Week 3 Ole Miss made a statement over Tulane — the same team that gave Oklahoma a run for its money in — by winning 61-21.

The two teams will meet Oct. 2 in Tuscaloosa. The game is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and is slated for CBS.