College football enters its final month of the regular season this weekend. And it’s set to be a weekend that won’t disappoint. Sure, there are only two games between two ranked teams. However, there’s a variety of games between ranked teams and teams that are on the brink of finding themselves ranked. One such matchup that fits the latter category is Ole Miss vs Arkansas.
For the Rebels, it’s a return to a place that they’ve grown to hate. Despite playing the Razorbacks every year, they last won in Fayetteville in 2008. Since then, they’ve technically won two “road” games in the series, though they both came in Little Rock. Under Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss is 2-2 in the series, with the home team winning each matchup. Now, knowing they need to win out, they will try to win in the Ozarks for the first time in 16 years.
Arkansas Offense Has To Stay Hot
For Arkansas, the biggest key to this game is going to be their offense. On the season, they’ve averaged a respectable 33 points per game. But in their wins, that number jumps to a touch under 42 points per game. In conference play, that number has only been 26 per game. Now, against an Ole Miss defense that has improved significantly over the years, finding ways to score is going to be vital for the Razorbacks.
That starts with quarterback Taylen Green. The transfer junior is a dual-threat guy who has looked good, if inconsistent, on the year. He’s averaging 257 yards passing per game, to go along with 49 rushing yards per contest. But in conference play, he’s also averaging an interception per game. Now, against Ole Miss, he’s facing one of the best defenses he’s seen all season.
With the Rebels defensive line being one of the best in football, Green has to be prepared to get out of the pocket and make plays with his legs. The Ole Miss secondary, while improved, is still the weakest part of the defense. If Green can stay in and hit the open passing lanes he’s given, and get out when pressured, the Hogs are going to have the chance to put up points on Saturday.
Availability of Tre Harris In Question For Rebels
For Ole Miss, the key roster question for this weekend is going to be whether Tre Harris is available and set to go. Harris, who is currently second in NCAA receiving yards this season, missed last week’s victory over Oklahoma. Now, as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury, he’s currently listed as questionable.
If he proves to be able to play, it will give Jaxson Dart his favorite target back. While the Rebels ultimately overcame Harris’ absence last week, forcing Dart to spread the ball out more, it would certainly be helpful for him to be back on the field to look towards, especially in big moments. With a struggling offensive line, knowing that you have a safety blanket when pressured is a huge plus.
But if he ends up not being able to go, expect another big game from the Ole Miss tight ends, Caden Prieskorn and Dae’Quan Wright.
Can Ole Miss Find More Consistency?
Among plenty of issues, the problems for Ole Miss largely revolve around consistency, on both sides of the ball. At times, the defense looks explosive, both in the secondary and on the defensive line. At other times, it looks like they’re running through mud and moving in slow motion.
On the offensive side, the inconsistency is largely found in the play-calling. Sometimes, everything is balanced between intermediate passes, deep balls, and running the ball. That’s how it should be. But far too often things become one-dimensional and end up ruining momentum. For instance, running the ball up the middle on first down on every single set of downs. It may work occasionally, but there has to be variety.
A prime example of these inconsistencies was the tale of two halves last weekend against Oklahoma. In the first half, both the Rebels offense and defense stumbled along and spent most of the half appearing to be bored and disinterested. The second half then saw them dominate, outscoring the Sooners 16-0.
If Ole Miss can find more consistency, this weekend in Fayetteville shouldn’t prove to be overly problematic. If they can’t, they’re going to be on upset alert for four quarters.
Ole Miss vs Arkansas: Bottom Line and Prediction
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium has been a haunted house for Ole Miss for much of the 21st century. This makes it all the more fitting that this matchup takes place during the week of Halloween. However, this year, it proves to be a must-win for the Rebels if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
And with a bit of a talent gap, as well as a sense of desperation, the Rebels should find a way to prevail on Saturday. However, similar to just about every game in this series, this one should prove to be close. Expect a lot of back and forths, but in the end, the Rebel defensive line manages to get a big stop late to seal a huge road win.
Ole Miss 26, Arkansas 20
