Coming off of an "okay" homecoming win over Sun Belt bottom dweller New Mexico State (0-5), the No. 12 Rebels (5-1) showed some improvement going into their showdown with the No. 22 Memphis Tigers (5-0). The first half was ugly, but Ole Miss came out in the second half and looked a little more like their old selves.
Unrelated to this game, but there was some HUGE news this week. It comes as a great relief to Rebel Nation and the offensive line that the NCAA has finally released their findings and handed down their punishment to star tackle Laremy Tunsil, who has been serving a self-imposed six game suspension while he was under investigation for "impermissible benefits." He will only have to sit out one more game, as the NCAA ruled that his "crime" was worth a seven game suspension and some other logistical repayments. As far as playing time goes, "King Tunsil" will be back just in time to put Myles Garrett on the turf and to keep him out of Chad Kelly's ear. Now, he won't have an impact on this week's game against Memphis, but having that elephant out of the room and getting Tunsil back for the upcoming SEC run is an enormous win for the Rebels both on the field and for the team's psyche.
Expect this to be a high scoring game, as Memphis comes in allowing around 27 points per game. This bodes well for Chad Kelly and crew who are trying to regain momentum, having been one of the top scoring offensive units in all of college football this season with 47 points per game. The Tigers don't have too bad of an offensive attack either, averaging 48 points per game as well. The Landshark Defense, having shown some susceptibility to the pass, will be tested by Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch. Lynch, who is completing 70.55% of his throws, has to this point tossed the rock for 1535 yards and 10 touchdowns, all with no interceptions. Something has to give against the Rebels, who have 9 interceptions on the year (Safety Trae Elston leads the team with four, returning two for touchdowns).
The bottom line is this; if Ole Miss wants to get a win on the road against a good Memphis team (who have now won 12 straight), they will have to continue to clean things up and continue to show improvement. Memphis' passing attack will be a good measuring stick for what we can expect when Texas A&M comes rolling into town next weekend. With the SEC gauntlet that is to follow, the Rebs game against the Tigers should be a good gauge on where this team is at, and how we can expect them to play as they finish out the latter half of this season.
Uniform wise, expect the Rebels to come out in one of the variations of their White Road Jerseys, my money's on the Red one (because, ya know, Memphis is Blue). But, I haven't had the best luck in choosing uniform combinations this year, I want to think that it is because Hugh likes to keep me guessing. Here's my (homer) threads prediction for when we beat the Tigers:
Uniform wise, expect the Rebels to come out in one of the variations of their White Road Jerseys, my money's on the Red one (because, ya know, Memphis is Blue). But, I haven't had the best luck in choosing uniform combinations this year, I want to think that it is because Hugh likes to keep me guessing. Here's my (homer) threads prediction for when we beat the Tigers:
White on Gray, can't beat it.
There is also the possibility of breaking out the White pants, which isn't a bad look either.
Just please no Navy pants. Please Hugh.
Where at?: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, TN
Playing surface: Astro Turf
Gametime: 11 am CT on ABC
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