The No. 19 Ole Miss Rebels (6-2, 3-1 in the SEC) are fighting to hang on in the SEC West Division race as they travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium to take on the Auburn Tigers (4-3, 1-3 in conference).
How to watch Ole Miss vs. Auburn on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Rebels head to Jordan-Hare to take on Auburn and hope to continue a push for the division title.
Last week, the Rebs were able to pull themselves up off the mat with a needed 23-3 win over Texas A&M in Oxford. The loss to Memphis two weeks ago may have cost Ole Miss a shot at the College Football Playoff, but it still controls its own destiny in the SEC with one conference loss. Win out, and it will have the division tie-breaker edge over either LSU or Alabama. This is a program that hasn't won a conference championship in 52 years, or ever played in the SEC title game. So winning the division is still an important goal.
As for Auburn, a disappointing season took another wrong turn in a four-overtime loss at Arkansas, 54-46. Gus Malzahn's offense has started to generate a little more traction since moving to redshirt freshman quarterback Sean White, but it's still struggling to finish off drives and put points up. And the defense has given up 21 points or more and 5.5 yards per play or worse in each of the last three games.
The Tigers could still have a role to play down this final stretch though, as that of the spoiler. And that could start Saturday.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: Ole Miss is favored by 6 points.
Make friends: Tiger fans can chat about the game over at College and Magnolia, while Ole Miss fans can get their fill at Red Cup Rebellion.
Three big things to know
1. Laquon Treadwell
Ole Miss’ best wide receiver suffered a horrific injury as he was in the process of scoring what could have been the game-winning touchdown in this game last season. He’s rebounded to lead the SEC in catches and yards this season, and has gone over the 100-receiving-yard mark in his last three games. Auburn’s secondary ranks 50th in pass defense S&P+ and 119th in passing success rate, so it’s hard to believe it is going stop Treadwell.
2. Runnin' Rebels?
Defense has been a problem for Auburn this season, but run defense has really been a problem. The Tigers have allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the SEC and rank 120th nationally in rushing success rate. Ole Miss, for it's part, ranks just 71st in rushing S&P+, and has had some wild ups and downs running the ball, like gaining just 40 yards against Memphis. But with Laremy Tunsil back up front, the Rebels roughed up Texas A&M for 230 yards on 51 carries. Could be the start of a bad trend for Auburn.
3. CATCH THE BALL
Drops were a big problem for Auburn last week in its loss to Arkansas, including a potential touchdown in overtime. Sean White has been an upgrade over Jeremy Johnson statistically, but he's yet to throw his first touchdown pass yet in four starts. Ole Miss' secondary has been vulnerable at times this year, but for that to happen, the wide receivers have to make the most of their opportunities.
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