Preview and Predictions: No. 16 Ole Miss hosts Arkansas

OXFORD, Miss. — The panel is back this week for another roundtable of predictions and previews for the Rebels vs. the Hogs. Last week’s win featured an exhilarating contest that left fans feeling euphoric as Ole Miss defeated LSU, 55-49, in a shootout. That feeling was welcomed after the loss to Alabama the week before. But against LSU, the Rebels’ offense looked electric, rejuvenating the fanbase and getting folks pumped up for this week’s game against Arkansas.

Today’s contest is sure to present a lively atmosphere. It’s the Stripe-Out game, featuring fan sections wearing alternating powder blue and red colors, redesigned endzones (powder and red), and a huge list of recruits visiting Oxford. Ole Miss (4-1, 1-1 SEC) is looking to build on the win over the Tigers and be in a comfortable position heading into the bye next week. Arkansas (2-3, 0-2) enters Oxford sixth in the SEC West and fresh off a loss to Texas A&M.

Before we learn more about the Razorbacks and get to our panel predictions, let’s take a moment to reintroduce our panel. As always, be sure to follow all these guys for great Ole Miss content as well as subscribe to The Rebel Walk.

Grayson Weir – BroBible
Kam Wicker – The Rebel Walk
Caleb Salers – SuperTalk Mississippi
Tyler Komis – Inside The Rebels/247Sports
TJ Oxley – The Rebel Walk

GAME DETAILS

• Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 7th, 6:30 PM CT
• TV: SEC Network
• Radio:
  • OleMissSports.com
  • Memphis: WHBQ-AM 560
  • Oxford: WOXF-FM 105.1
  • Jackson: WFMN-FM 97.3
• Betting Lines as of  Saturday at 11:30 am (subject to change):
  • Ole Miss: -13.0
  • O/U: 61
  • Ole Miss Moneyline: -480
  • Arkansas Moneyline: +360

I have to give one more shoutout here. If you’re interested in taking a deeper look at Arkansas and their personnel take a look at fellow Rebel Walk contributor Zach Moreth‘s articles from this week. Zach took the time to look at both sides of the ball for the Razorbacks, highlighting important players and an overall in-depth look at both sides of the ball.

Arkansas Defense:

https://therebelwalk.com/2023/10/what-jaxson-dart-and-the-rebel-offense-will-see-from-the-arkansas-defense/

Arkansas Offense:

https://therebelwalk.com/2023/10/a-look-at-the-arkansas-offense-and-what-the-rebels-defense-can-expect/

Ole Miss Keys to the Game

Offense: Continue the Trend and Dominate the Run

Last week gave Ole Miss fans what they wanted to see — an offensive extravaganza. The 2020 and 2021 Ole Miss team’s featured this dynamic offensive attack that was nearly guaranteed to put up 500+ total yards of offense on any opponent. Last week we saw that can still be a reality for the Rebels as the LSU thriller netted Ole Miss over 700+ yards of total offense.

In the first three weeks of the season, the Razorbacks’ defense gave up an average of 55.6 yards on the ground against Western Carolina, Kent State and BYU. But then SEC play started — a different beast, altogether. Over the last two weeks in SEC games against LSU and A&M, however, that number jumps as the Razorbacks have given up an average of 196.5 yards rushing per game.

With the Rebels owning a triple rushing threat in Quinshon Judkins, Ulysses Bentley IV, and Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss should be able to find a way to continue the trend on the ground.

Defense: Let’s Talk Turnovers

Ole Miss started the year on fire, forcing five turnovers in its first two contests. Since then, though, the Rebels have only been able to force two turnovers in the last three contests. The turnovers could be an x-factor as Arkansas is a sneaky opponent. Fans will remember the absolutely insane matchup two years ago as Ole Miss narrowly edged out the Razorbacks in a shootout. Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson remembers it as well. Arkansas has lost some close games of late and the 2-3 record shouldn’t fool; you they have some talent.

For Ole Miss to win, the Rebels need to limit explosive plays and force turnovers. Jefferson has had four interceptions in his last three games, accounting for all but one of their recent turnovers.

Predictions

Kam Wicker – The Rebel Walk

Ole Miss 45, Arkansas 37

X-Factor: Linebackers in space. A problem the Rebel defense has faced recently is tackling out in space. But if there’s one advantage Ole Miss has on defense, it’s the Rebs’ athleticism at the linebacker position. Guys like Suntarine Perkins, Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste and Ashanti Cistrunk are going to be relied on heavily to go out and make some plays on Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders.

Bold Prediction: Ole Miss takes away the Arkansas passing attack if the Rebels can manage Rocket Sanders and KJ Jefferson to the best of their abilities on the ground. That would open more chances for DBs to make plays. Look for Arkansas to test the Rebel secondary early after what Jayden Daniels showed last weekend.

Caleb Salers – SuperTalk Mississippi

Ole Miss 42, Arkansas 27

Prediction: The Rebels build off the momentum gathered during the historic battle versus LSU. Head coach Lane Kiffin, in his pursuit to emphasize the Rebels’ identity, will look to Quinshon Judkins and Ulysses Bentley IV to find success on the ground, opening the field for Jaxson Dart and a variety of weapons to feast on the Razorbacks’ defense.

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Grayson Weir – BroBible

Ole Miss 38, Arkansas 21

Arkansas has a backfield duo that will give Ole Miss’ defense trouble as the game goes on. The Hogs will continue to run early and often, which will keep the game honest through the first half. It will be all Rebels in the second half. A consistent, balanced and FAST offense will prove too much for Arkansas and Ole Miss can pull away. I’ll go ahead and throw out big days for Ulysses Bentley, Monty Montgomery and Jordan Watkins.

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Tyler Komis – Inside the Rebels

Ole Miss 45, Arkansas 24

Prediction: Offense keeps up their pace and the defense finally has their way with Arkansas’ offense. Bold prediction: Rebels notch at least six sacks.

X factor: Zxavian Harris

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TJ Oxley – The Rebel Walk

Ole Miss 45, Arkansas 42

Prediction: It’s a shootout because it feels like it has to be. Expect points and whatever the over is, SMASH IT. It remains a close one as both teams have huge chunk plays that make this one exciting. The Rebels escape on the backs of Ulysses Bentley IV and Quinshon Judkins who both reach the 100+ yard mark in rushing. However, the win comes down to the defense as Ole Miss forces two turnovers, one of which comes down the stretch.

X-Factor: John Saunders Jr. 

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