Four Keys to an Ole Miss Win over Vanderbilt

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss takes on Vanderbilt at 6:30 p.m. this evening at Vaught-Hemingway. It’s Senior Night for the Rebels, who will be looking to go undefeated at home this season.

Here are our four keys to the game:

Pass Defense

Vanderbilt usually uses a two-quarterback system, but as a team has thrown 12 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. All 12 of their interceptions have come inside the numbers.

It will be important for Ole Miss pass rushers to get to the quarterback quickly and help players in coverage by not letting Vanderbilt pass catchers have extended time to get open. The Commodores have been vulnerable when under pressure this season, and it will help tremendously to not allow them to get comfortable.

Pass Offense

This season, teams are completing 70% off passes against the Commodores’ defense. They have been shaky against deep passes and have 8 players who have given up plays of 30+ yards. Pushing the ball downfield will help Ole Miss tremendously in effort to get a win Saturday.

Run Game

Ole Miss is 6-0 when rushing for 200+ yards in game. Simple. Rush for 200 yards and the outcome should be desirable.

Stay Defensive

The Rebel defense will need to continue to dominate as it did in last week’s performance versus Texas A&M. This will help with the unit’s confidence in a short week next week, as their Egg Bowl matchup with Mississippi State comes earlier than normal (Thursday).

Nick Filipich

Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.