Rooting Interests: Who Ole Miss Fans Should Pull For in Week 7 Across the SEC
OXFORD, Miss. — Another game weekend in the SEC is upon us, week seven to be exact. Here’s a new column we will have for you each week, “Rooting Interests.” If you’ve ever wondered who Ole Miss needs to win or lose on a particular weekend, this is the article for you!
Note: These “Rooting Interests” are based on what results this weekend help Ole Miss the most in the long run. Ideally, they are void of emotional, recruiting, or momentum biases and are more focused on what benefits the Rebels metrically. These are not reflective of what any one person is rooting for.
All game times (CT) and betting lines were obtained through ESPN.com
All rankings are from the Associated Press.
Games are listed chronologically for October 11, 2025
SEC Games
#8 Alabama @ #14 Missouri
11:00am, ABC
ALA -3.5, O/U 51.5
Rooting Interest: Alabama
Reasoning: Ole Miss doesn’t play either of these teams this season. Alabama currently has a loss to Florida State, yet both teams are undefeated in conference play. It’s in the Rebs’ best interest to root for each team to suffer losses, as it helps in a potential battle for a playoff or conference championship bid. Missouri has a substantially easier remaining schedule, so root for the Tide this weekend.
Washington State @ #4 Ole Miss
11:45am, SEC Network
MISS -31.5, O/U 58.5
Rooting Interest: Ole Miss
Reasoning: This one is an easy decision. Survive this week and stay healthy. Trips to Athens and Norman are next up.
#6 Oklahoma vs Texas (in Dallas)
2:30pm, ABC
OU -1.5, O/U 43.5
Rooting Interest: Oklahoma
Reasoning: Ole Miss plays in Norman, Oklahoma two weeks from Saturday. The Rebels do not play Texas this season. For the strength of schedule, it helps Ole Miss if Oklahoma is highly ranked—win or lose. In addition, another loss for the Longhorns puts them on the brink of elimination for the playoffs.
Arkansas @ #12 Tennessee
3:15pm, SEC Network
TENN -11.5, O/U 69.5
Rooting Interest: Arkansas
Reasoning: This one is straightforward. Ole Miss has a win over Arkansas. Ole Miss does not play the Volunteers and could potentially be competing with them for a spot in the playoffs or SEC Championship Game. Call the Hogs.
Florida @ #5 Texas A&M
6:00pm, ESPN
TA&M -7.5, O/U 46.5
Rooting Interest: Florida
Reasoning: An argument could be made that Ole Miss does not want Florida to gain momentum from a budding hot streak as the Gators travel to Oxford in November. That factor is trumped by the fact that Ole Miss plays Florida and doesn’t play Texas A&M. The metrics benefit Ole Miss if Florida pulls off the upset. Again, these rooting interests are based first on how the results would affect Ole Miss from an objective, data-driven perspective first.
#10 Georgia @ Auburn
6:30pm, ABC
UGA -3.5, O/U 46.5
Rooting Interest: Georgia
Reasoning: The Rebels visit the Bulldogs in Week 8 and do not play the Tigers. It is beneficial to Ole Miss if Georgia wins this one at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Plus, no one wants to face Kirby Smart after a loss.
South Carolina @ #11 LSU
6:45pm, SEC Network
LSU -9.5, O/U 44.5
Rooting Interest: LSU
Reasoning: This is a game that involves two opponents on the Rebels’ ledger. In this case, Ole Miss has a documented win against LSU and has yet to play South Carolina. A win for the Tigers boosts Ole Miss’ current resume and creates even more turmoil for the Gamecocks ahead of a date in Oxford. Tiebreaker goes to the team in Baton Rouge.
Kick back and enjoy another great weekend of SEC football!
