Ole Miss 33 Vanderbilt 7

Ole Miss defeated Vanderbilt 33-7 in an easy win. The Rebels were rotating in the three-deep for the entirety of the second half, the kind of game that improves a team because all those younger and inexperienced players have a chance to get some snaps in. That moves the Rebels to 7-1 and ready to welcome Texas A&M to Vaught-Hemingway for an early kickoff this Saturday.

The A&M matchup is a bit vexing on paper. The Aggies bring a stellar defensive line with them, the kind of line that ought to give the Rebels’ rather pedestrian offensive line some problems. On paper, I wouldn’t expect the Rebels to be able to do much with the running game, but at the same time, the secondary of A&M is vulnerable to the pass, so we might see Ole Miss come out with a blazing passing attack. The A&M offense has been underwhelming, but it has put up points in a workmanlike fashion this season. A&M was able to put up a better fight against Alabama than did Ole Miss, dropping a 26-20 decision to the Tide, whereas Ole Miss was thumped 24-10 and looked absolutely hapless.

This one is hard to call. These teams look pretty even, and many are expecting a close game, which means it will probably be a lop-sided blowout. I’m just not sure which way it is going to go. I will say, though, that if I’m right an it is a blowout, that favors Ole Miss’ offensive scheme.

Prediction: Ole Miss 45 Texas A&M 13.