College Football

How to watch Ole Miss vs. Texas 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more

The Longhorns need to rebound in a big way against the Rebels.

by Chris Fuhrmeister

Sep 14, 2013, 4:00 PM UTC

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Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

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Before the season began, fans in Austin were hoping for a national title contender. Now, Texas is reeling going into its game against Ole MIss. The Longhorns and Rebels meet Saturday night at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Coming off a 19-point loss at BYU, in which the it gave up a school-record 550 rushing yards, Texas is undergoing a transition. At defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz is out (fired) and Greg Robinson is in. Robinson previously served as DC for Mack Brown in 2004. The Longhorns are a mess on defense, and Robinson has been charged with helping to save the season. If it sounds like a desperate move from Brown, that's because it is.

Before the season, Ole MIss figured to be a pretty big underdog in this game, but now the Rebels have a great opportunity to pick up a signature win under Hugh Freeze. There’s no doubt the head coach will attempt to use his up-tempo offense to race past the ‘Horns.

The numbers

Rankings and records: Following the disaster at BYU, Texas (1-1) isn’t ranked, while Ole Miss just sneaked into the rankings this week at No. 25 in the AP and coaches’ polls. The schools have played seven previous times, and the ‘Horns hold a 6-1 advantage.

Vegas: Texas is a 2.5-point favorite in this one after the line was off the board due to Texas’ shuffling at defensive coordinator and injury issues at quarterback.

Weather: It should be pretty warm at kickoff; the forecast calls for mostly clear skies and a high of 97.

Three names to know

Bo Wallace, Ole Miss QB: Wallace is a playmaker, and he can do serious damage throwing or running the Rebels' read-option offense. His one knock last season was carelessness with the football, but he hasn't turned it over yet this year.

Greg Robinson, Texas DC: The Longhorns’ defense is a mess, and Robinson has been hired to fix it. That won’t be easy against Ole Miss’ high-scoring offense.

Whomever plays QB for Texas: David Ash suffered a head injury against BYU, and if he can't go, backup senior Case McCoy will be the starter. Unlike his older brother, McCoy hasn't had a lot of success for the 'Horns. If he starts, he'll have to come up with a great performance.

Two things at stake

Ole Miss has been picked as the surprise team in the SEC by some. If the Rebels can get a road win in Austin, it may kick start a special season in Oxford.

Coming off a shellacking at the hands of BYU, Texas could be looking at a total meltdown with a second straight loss. Mack Brown can’t afford that if he wants to remain employed after this year.