After a massive road victory last weekend, the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels will return to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to face No. 13 Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. The Tigers have already toppled some big opponents this season, and the Rebels will look to avoid an upset.
After a relatively quiet start to the season, Missouri suffered a 31-24 road loss to No. 16 Mississippi State in Week 4, but since then, the Tigers have obliterated opponents. They took down Florida, who was ranked No. 8 at the time, 45-17, and they are fresh off a 27-6 win over Texas A&M. The Tigers enter this matchup feeling solid about their performances.
Missouri poses plenty of threats for the Rebels, and key among them is the offense led by former Rebel quarterback Austin Simmons. Head coach Pete Golding spoke about how Simmons has improved since he left Ole Miss.
“(Simmons’) comfortability within the scheme has improved week in, week out,” Golding said in a press conference on Monday, Oct. 12. “The decision-making process (has improved). He’s only turned the football over one time. That comes with maturity, … with understanding of the system.”
Since Simmons left for Missouri in January, he has been outstanding and statistically similar to Trinidad Chambliss this season.
Simmons has thrown for 1,434 yards, just one yard shy of Chambliss’ total. The similarities do not stop there: Chambliss has a completion percentage of 70.1%, and Simmons’ percentage is 64.8%. Chambliss has 11 passing touchdowns, and Simmons has 14.
While the stats are similar, Chambliss has been arguably more dynamic thanks to his mobility. The Rebel quarterback has logged 113 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, compared to Simmons’ 26 yards and no rushing touchdowns.
Simmons’ lack of running is not necessarily a weakness for the Tigers. Jamal Roberts, one of the best running backs in the nation, is an excellent option. Roberts currently ranks second in the country with 828 rushing yards on 147 carries, and he leads Missouri with eight touchdowns.
“(Roberts) gets the most yards after contact right now, which is something that has been an issue for us on tape,” Golding said. “We’re going to have to do a really good job in the run game, obviously hopefully to stop the run game, make them one-dimensional.”
Simmons also leans on wide receiver Cayden Lee, another former Rebel. This season, Lee ranks fifth in the nation in receiving yards, and he has five touchdowns to show for his workload.
“The offense, especially in the pass game, goes through Cayden (Lee). We know what type of player he is, no doubt. Very elusive, elite route-runner,” Golding said. “(He) really understands what they’re trying to do conceptually. (He) has a really good football intelligence … so (we) definitely have to look around to know where he is on every snap that he’s in the game.”
The Tiger defense should not be counted out, either. Missouri has held opponents to 17.7 points per game, which is good for fifth in the SEC. That stat is thanks in large part to linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, who is tied for the most total tackles in the country with 63.
On the other hand, the Rebel defense has been heavily criticized for the entirety of the season, and it will continue to be a cause for concern against the Tigers. However, the Rebel defense looked good against Vanderbilt, and there is potential for a comeback.
Against the Commodores, both cornerback Antonio Kite and safety Nick Cull logged interceptions. Edge rusher Blake Purchase recorded a strip sack, allowing Edge rusher Suntarine Perkins to scoop up the ball and run in for a touchdown. This Saturday, the Rebels will look to both take advantage of opportunities that may arise and create opportunities for themselves.
The final factor that likely will play a role in the matchup is Ole Miss’ home field advantage.
It is common knowledge that SEC road environments pose a huge threat to visiting opponents. The Tigers’ big win over Florida came in Missouri, and their loss to Mississippi State was on the road. When the Rebels’ streak of 14 wins at home is factored in, the situation looks better for Ole Miss.
Overall, the Tigers are a very formidable opponent. With Ole Miss on a potential upset watch, this is a must-win game for the Rebels to affirm they are back on track toward the playoffs.
