Ole Miss' second-ranked scoring defense receives a favorable matchup this weekend, but it'll have to get past Tennessee while dealing with the ongoing controversy surrounding star defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. Earlier this week, a photo of Nkemdiche allegedly hitting a bong hit the Internet, prompting Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze to say he was aware of the situation involving the photo and was "super confident" drug tests were handled correctly.
How to watch Tennessee vs. Ole Miss: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds
Ole Miss hopes to continue its magic season despite some off-field controversy swirling around Robert Nkemdiche.
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As a sophomore, Nkemdiche has done a nice job filling space at the front of Ole Miss’ defense, which has led the team to a 6-0 start and No. 3 ranking in both polls. Ole Miss most recently shut down Texas A&M’s offense, holding the Aggies to 20 points -- less than half their previous season average -- in a road win last Saturday. The Rebels also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions to give them 12 on the season, tied for second-most in the country.
If Nkemdiche were to be sidelined for Saturday’s game, it might not be critical for Ole Miss (though a tough two-game stretch against LSU and Auburn is up next). Tennessee started 2-0, but dropped three straight to Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida before recovering with a 45-10 win over Chattanooga last weekend. The Vols’ offense has struggled, ranking 109th in total offense (347.5 yards per game) and 82nd in scoring (28.0 points per game). Quarterback Justin Worley averages just 6.4 yards per attempt, and the running game averages 3.0 yards per carry. Offensive line issues certainly haven’t helped; it’s clear the Vols will be facing an uphill battle Saturday evening in Oxford.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN (Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe)
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Our sites on these teams
The numbers
Rankings and records: Ole Miss is 6-0 (3-0 SEC), and ranked No. 3 in both the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll. Tennessee is 3-3 (0-2) and unranked.
Vegas: Ole Miss opened as a 17-point favorite and is now a 16-point favorite. The over/under is set at 46.5.
Weather forecast: Sunny, high of 69 and low of 46.
Two things at stake
Ole Miss has withstood Alabama and Texas A&M, but the magic of the season’s first half will now be tested. The Rebels are favored by more than two scores Saturday, but with a trip to LSU and then a matchup with Auburn looming, any sort of off-kilter performance against the Vols would cast some doubts entering late October and beyond.
Tennessee has a chance build some positivity after that three-game skid pretty much ruined its season.
One big matchup
Bo Wallace vs. Tennessee's passing defense. Wallace's numbers have returned to earth after he began the season with three straight 300-yard games. Averaging 341 per game over that span, he's produced just under 226 per game in the last three games. The Tennessee native was, at least, efficient against A&M, completing 68.4 percent of his passes with one touchdown, while adding 50 yards and two more scores on the ground.
Further reading
For more on Ole Miss, check out Red Cup Rebellion. For more on Tennessee, head over to Rocky Top Talk.
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