Game Preview: Lane Kiffin and the Rebels start SEC play on the road vs Kentucky; How to Watch, Listen and Stream

Lane Kiffin and the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels (1–0) are in Lexington today for their SEC opener to take on the Kentucky Wildcats (1–0) at Kroger Field. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

This matchup carries plenty of storylines, with Ole Miss looking for payback after last year’s narrow loss to the Wildcats in Oxford — a defeat that ultimately loomed large in the Rebels’ playoff push.

Here’s how to watch and listen to today’s game:

Date: Saturday, September 6
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Lexington, Ky.
Site: Kroger Field
Gameday Info:Click Here
What to Wear: Red
TV: ABC
Live Stream: ESPN App
Live Stats: Click Here
Radio: Ole Miss Radio Network
Live Audio: OleMissSports.com/watch
Gameday Program: Click Here

Rebels Enter With Momentum

Ole Miss wasted no time making a statement in Week 1, dismantling Georgia State, 63–7, in front of a packed Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons settled in after two early interceptions to throw for 341 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start.

Running back Kewan Lacy, a Missouri transfer, gave Rebel fans a taste of what he brings to the table with 108 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries. Logan Diggs chipped in 91 yards and a score, showcasing depth at the position.

Defensively, linebacker TJ Dottery led the way with nine tackles, while Zxavian Harris created a viral moment by not only picking off a Georgia State pass but breaking the rim on the sideline while celebrating. Pete Golding’s defense limited the Panthers to just 261 yards of total offense and 69 passing yards.

The Rebels appear balanced on both sides of the ball heading into SEC play — but today presents a tougher test that last weekend.

Wildcats Seek Improvement

Kentucky opened its season with a 24–16 win over Toledo, but the performance left questions, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Zach Calzada went just 10-for-23 for 85 yards and an interception, and the Wildcats struggled to establish rhythm.

The Kentucky defense, however, looked strong, keeping Toledo out of sync and creating consistent pressure. That unit will be asked to carry the load once again, this time against one of the SEC’s fastest-paced and most explosive offenses.

Head coach Mark Stoops knows what’s coming.

“The tempo is the first thing, obviously, they go extremely fast and they dress things up very well. They present it very fast and have very good players out there doing it,” Stoops said this week. “Again, I’m very impressed with Austin Simmons… and their wide receivers, tight ends, and defense. Pete Golding does a great job.”

Matchups to Watch 

• Ole Miss O-Line vs. Kentucky Pass Rush: Simmons was comfortable once he settled in last week, but Kentucky’s front will provide more consistent pressure. How well the Rebels protect Simmons could define the game.
• Kewan Lacy and Logan Diggs vs. Kentucky Run Defense: The Rebel backfield looked dynamic in Week 1. If they get rolling again, it opens up the entire playbook for Kiffin.
• Kentucky Offense vs. Pete Golding’s Defense: The Wildcats can’t afford the same offensive struggles they had against Toledo. If Ole Miss builds an early lead, the pressure on Calzada could be overwhelming.
• Special Teams: Trey Wallace added a spark in the return game last week for Ole Miss. Kentucky will need to be sharp in coverage.

What’s at Stake

For Ole Miss, this is about revenge and validation. A win in Lexington would not only avenge last year’s home loss but also send a message that the Rebels are legitimate contenders in the SEC this fall.

For Kentucky, it’s about proving Week 1’s offensive struggles were just opening-game jitters. Another shaky outing could put Stoops’ team in an early-season hole.

Prediction

Ole Miss enters this game with the momentum of a dominant Week 1 showing, more offensive firepower, and a defense eager to prove it hasn’t taken a step back despite personnel turnover. Kentucky’s defense is strong enough to keep things interesting early, but unless their offense finds another gear, it will be hard to keep up with Kiffin’s pace.

Prediction: Ole Miss 38, Kentucky 7