Saturday night at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels will take on the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies. Both teams are coming off of a loss, with Ole Miss dropping a game at Memphis, and A&M being unable to hold up against Alabama at home. In other words, both teams are in desperate need of a win, and this game carries significant implications on the SEC West Race, as both teams come in with only one conference loss. The loser can likely kiss their chances at getting to Atlanta goodbye, as Alabama is continually gaining momentum with their one early season loss to the Rebels, and LSU being undefeated.
As for the uniforms, Texas A&M is Maroon, so expect the Rebs to be in their Navy Jersey. What pants? I will be just as surprised as you at this point. I like to think Gray.
But maybe a monochrome Navy Look?
Heck we might even wear Red for all I know.
Since Texas A&M has joined the SEC, the road team in this matchup has won the game every time. Ole Miss is struggling on defense, especially in the secondary. Texas A&M threw three interceptions last week against Alabama, all of which were returned for touchdowns. Something will have to give Saturday night.
On the offensive line, Ole Miss is still struggling. This week comes with some help, though, as star Laremy Tunsil will be making his first start of the 2015 season after finishing his seven game suspension after being under investigation by the NCAA. On the flip side of the coin, starting Center Robert Conyers is now out for the year with a torn ACL. So just as Tunsil is ready to return, the offensive line will once again be reshuffled in time for a solid defensive front, led by Myles Garrett, who has 8.5 sacks on the year.
Ole Miss safety Trae Elston has recovered from his concussion and will play Saturday night. C.J. Johnson has said on Twitter that he would not miss the game, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Safety Tony Conner will likely not play, looking to need more time to recover from his knee injury that has kept him out since the Alabama game. Robert Nkemdiche needed to pass a few more concussion tests on Thursday before being cleared to play.
The bottom line here is this. We get to find out what kind of team this really is with everything on the line as far as SEC aspirations. Texas A&M is a team that is known for its high flying offense and skill players, and the Landshark Defense will have their hands full. Personally, I expect a high scoring affair because it seems the coaches have realized that Chad Kelly is pretty good at quarterback, and he may have a few okay receivers to throw to. But if the offensive line can't hold up, and the pressure and sacks start to build up, it is going to be a long day to be a Rebel.
Like Hugh used to say, the Rebs just need to go out there, lock the gate, and pick a fight.
Where at?: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Playing surface: Artificial Field Turf
Gametime: 6 pm CT on ESPN
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