Ole Miss vs. Arkansas: Three Keys to the Game in Saturday’s SEC Clash
OXFORD, Miss. — The Ole Miss Rebels opened up their SEC schedule last Saturday as they took down the Kentucky Wildcats in a revenge-filled 30-23 victory on the road in Lexington. Ole Miss faced adversity early on in the win but went on a 30-13 run as they left on top.
Now, the Rebels return home to host the Arkansas Razorbacks in their second SEC matchup just three weeks into the season. Here are three keys to an Ole Miss victory this weekend.
Control the Ground Game
The Rebels have been dominant on the ground through the first two weeks in large part because of transfer running back Kewan Lacy.
Kewan Lacy rushed 28 times for 138 yards and a TD.
Lacy is the first Rebel to break 100 yards rushing twice to start a season since Scottie Phillips in 2018
— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) September 7, 2025
In both games of the season thus far, Lacy’s performances have been a key to the offense. He finds himself leading the SEC in rushing yards with two 100-yard games, finding the end zone four times.
This is something Ole Miss needs to push for again this week, especially with quarterback Austin Simmons listed as probable on the injury report with the possibility he is not quite 100 percent heading into Saturday night’s contest.
Dominate the Line of Scrimmage
Ole Miss’ offensive line has been shaky at times over the first two games. While they have not given up a lot of sacks, they need to allow Simmons more time to throw. According to PFF, the Rebels’ o-line has given the QB the least amount of time of all teams in the SEC to get the ball out — including two of Simmons’ interceptions where he was hit as he threw.
The unit will need to continue their good run blocking to allow Lacy and the rest of the running backs to find their groove early.
Ole Miss will also be going up against one of the weaker pass rushes in the SEC which should allow the Rebs to keep their young backfield on its feet and help them have explosive games.
Contain Taylen Green
Ole Miss will also have to dominate the line on the defensive side of the ball in order to contain Arkansas star quarterback Taylen Green.
Green, all 6-foot-6, 236-pounds of him, is an explosive dual-threat quarterback who has the ability to burn you in the air as well as with his legs, extending plays and scrambling for big chunks.
Very interested to see Arkansas QB Taylen Green (6055v, 224v) vs. Ole Miss Saturday night. Intriguing dual-threat prospect who some NFL scouts believe is an eventual pro starter.
Through 2 games, he leads the FBS in passing TDs (10) and already has eight carries of 10+ yards. pic.twitter.com/ffqhu8Ef6Q
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 11, 2025
It will be important for Pete Golding and his defense to pressure Green and not allow him to have much time to think. They’ll need t0 confine him to the pocket or nearby in order to limit his explosive plays.
A Look Ahead
Ole Miss and Arkansas are set to kick off at 6 pm CT at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Ole Miss’ “Stripe Out” game. Fans can catch the game on TV and streaming through the ESPN channel as well as the ESPN app.
Billy Kuhl
Billy Kuhl joins The Rebel Walk as a sophomore at Ole Miss majoring in Journalism with a Sports Media concentration. He is from Jefferson Township, New Jersey and graduated from Jefferson Township High School where he played varsity baseball, and soccer, and swam competitively in his summers. You can contact him at wpkuhl88@gmail.com or DM him on X @Billykuhll or instagram @Billykuhll_
