Ole Miss Football: Game-by-game predictions for Rebels in 2017
Ole Miss may as well set up camp in the state of Alabama for a week, as they’ll face the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare stadium a week after traveling to face Alabama. This should be an interesting game from the fact that Ole Miss and Auburn have played each other closely for the past couple seasons but Gus Malzahn has to win this game or his job will be in serious jeopardy, if it isn’t already.
This matchup was close last year until Auburn finally got the best of the Ole Miss defense and pulled away. What will Auburn be like in 2017? I think that’s one of the bigger questions when looking at this game. Mostly because of transfer quarterback Jarret Stidham. Will he be the answer? If Auburn’s offense isn’t deadly, then they might have trouble with Ole Miss. The Rebels will be in need of a rebound after the loss to Alabama, and Auburn will have already played games against Clemson and Mississippi State.
In order for Ole Miss to win, they have to limit the Tiger offense. Will it be easy? No. But it is what they have to do. Having Wesley McGriff as the defensive coordinator will help. McGriff was Auburn’s co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach last season. McGriff will be able to draw on familiarity with Malzahn’s offense. I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, the Ole Miss offense will be good. That is an elite offense, despite perceptions, that offense will prove itself throughout the season.
Ole Miss should be able to steal one on the road from Auburn, but I just don’t see it happening until I see how they do against Cal and Alabama. Only then would I feel 100% confident in picking them to upset Auburn. Again, I could easily still see Ole Miss winning this game.