SEC play is fully underway. But for Ole Miss fans, that may not be a great thing. Following a tremendous start to the season, the Rebels took a tumble last weekend, with a home loss to Kentucky. However, there’s quickly a chance to rebound, as week six of the college football season gives us Ole Miss vs South Carolina. With this one taking place in Columbia, it’s going to be the first conference game the Rebels face on the road. Can they right the ship and get a win, or does the season continue to go off the rails?
The history of the series between these two schools is relatively close. Overall, Ole Miss holds a slight edge, with a 9-7 record against the Gamecocks. But on the road, the series is knotted up at 4-4. There may be good news for Rebel fans, though. The last time these schools met, we got a viral moment from head coach Lane Kiffin, and it came in an Ole Miss win. Early in the fourth quarter of a come-from-behind victory, Kiffin threw his clipboard to the moon on a busted coverage from the Gamecocks.
When Lane Kiffin threw his clipboard to the moon 😂💀pic.twitter.com/Wi8kpLYezN
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) September 12, 2024
Does this matchup lead to similar antics? Or will Kiffin and Ole Miss leave Columbia looking for answers?
South Carolina Offensive Questions?
For South Carolina, the question is how well can they maintain a balanced offense. At the quarterback position, they’re set to get LaNorris Sellers back after spraining his ankle a few weeks ago. In his place, Robby Ashford played extremely well. It’ll be interesting to see how Shane Beamer decides to approach the quarterback battle. With Sellers listed as the starter, it appears that he’s going to be the guy to get the majority of the snaps. However, there’s a chance that they go with a two-quarterback approach, and give Ashford some snaps, as well. Both guys are dual-threat options that have shown the ability to run the offense well. If Sellers still looks hampered at all from the ankle injury, there’s no question that Ashford can come in and take over.
At the running back position, Raheim Sanders is also dealing with a sprained ankle. While it looks like he’ll be able to play, it’ll be worthwhile to see if he looks like he’s still dealing with any issues from that injury.
Through four games, the Gamecocks have had a balanced approach, passing for 718 yards, while also running for 769. Against a stout Ole Miss defensive line, it may come down to how well Sellers or Ashford can throw the ball downfield. You can also expect whoever plays quarterback to get out of the pocket and make plays with their legs. This week, it looks like that may be a must.
Gamecock Defense
For the South Carolina defense, much like the Ole Miss defense, it starts up front. With one of the better young defensive lines in football, they have to manage to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If they can get that pressure, they’re going to have a good day. If their front seven struggles to get pressure on Rebel quarterback Jaxson Dart, expect him to have a big day.
In terms of stopping the run, they’ve done a good job so far this season. But they likely haven’t played a team with a rushing attack quite as good as what Ole Miss brings to the table. If they can slow down the likes of Henry Parrish Jr and Ulysses Bentley IV, there’s going to be a really good opportunity for the Gamecocks to pull off the upset.
How Does the Ole Miss Offense Get Back on Track?
For Ole Miss, the easiest thing to do is forget last week ever happened. That’s especially true on the offensive side of the ball. Dart didn’t play well, the play calling was questionable, and Bentley didn’t receive a single carry. This week, all of that has to change, starting with quarterback play. Dart has to play better, especially on the deep ball.
As for the play calling, they have to find a way to get guys other than Tre Harris involved. One name to look out for is Juice Wells. The wideout is heading back to Columbia for the first time since transferring out of South Carolina this offseason. Rebel fans are waiting for him to have a breakout game. Why not want it to come against his former team?
Then there’s the Bentley situation. No one seems to know why he’s only seen 16 carries this season. Kiffin and the coaching staff have remained tight-lipped about it. What is undeniable though is that he has to play more of a role in the offense. With Parrish getting a little banged up last week, this weekend would be a great chance to see Bentley finally get that chance.
Ole Miss Defense Has to Stay Disciplined
Against a dual-threat quarterback, the Rebel defense has to maintain discipline. So far, they’ve gotten plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. There’s a good chance the front seven continues to get that pressure this weekend.
However, on the back end in the secondary, they’ve struggled. The main problems have been in coverage. Now, they’re going to be faced with quarterback options that can get out and make plays with their feet, as well. For the Ole Miss defense, arguably the biggest question is going to be whether they can keep Sellers or Ashford from killing them on the ground. If they can, the Rebels should be in good shape. If not, it could be another long day for Ole Miss fans.
Ole Miss vs South Carolina: Bottom Line and Prediction
Going into Williams-Brice Stadium is never easy. That’s especially true coming off a loss and now facing what is essentially a must-win game. But that’s where Ole Miss finds themselves. So the question is going to be whether one of the best offenses in the sport can find its footing after a bad week in the loss to Kentucky.
In the end, the answer is likely yes. With last weekend serving as a wake-up call, expect Kiffin and the Rebels to come out laser-focused on Saturday. There’s no question South Carolina has the talent to keep things close. But down the stretch, expect Dart and company to score just enough to sneak away with much-needed road victory, in a relatively high-scoring affair.
Ole Miss 35, South Carolina 27
