Ole Miss vs. South Carolina: Three keys to the game for Rebels to defeat Gamecocks

OXFORD, Miss. — With playoff hopes alive and momentum surging after last week’s statement win at Oklahoma, No. 7 Ole Miss returns home to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium under the lights for the first SEC night game of the season.

The Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) will look to stay perfect at home when they host South Carolina (3-5, 1-5 SEC) in a game slated to kick off at 6:00 p.m. CT.

(Check out our staff predictions for today’s game.)

Here are three keys to victory for Lane Kiffin’s squad as they aim to keep their postseason dreams on track.

1. Set the Tone Early — Control Tempo and Possession

When the Ole Miss offense finds its rhythm, few teams can keep up. Lane Kiffin’s tempo-driven attack thrives on early momentum, and establishing control from the opening drive will be critical.

Expect quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy to spearhead an aggressive start that forces South Carolina to play from behind. The Gamecocks have struggled to sustain long drives and stop the run — an area the Rebels must exploit.

Mixing in quick strikes to Winston Watkins, Dae’Quan Wright, and Harrison Wallace III should open up space underneath and keep the South Carolina defense on its heels. If Ole Miss builds an early lead, the crowd energy will do the rest.

2. Pressure and Contain

After an impressive bounce-back performance at Oklahoma, the Rebel defense must once again set the tone up front.
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s group needs to apply steady pressure on Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who can extend plays but tends to struggle against the blitz.

Expect Princewill Umanmielen, Will Echoles, and Kam Franklin to collapse the pocket and create chaos. Edge discipline will be vital to limit Sellers’ scrambling lanes. The Ole Miss secondary must prevent explosive plays to receiver Nyck Harbor, South Carolina’s most dangerous deep threat.

If the Rebels can generate takeaways and force South Carolina into third-and-long situations, the defense can tilt the game’s balance early.

Eliminate Self-Inflicted Wounds — Discipline and Finishing

The Rebels’ biggest opponent this weekend may be themselves. In past upset losses, Ole Miss has been undone by turnovers, penalties, and red zone inefficiency. That can’t happen Saturday night.

Kiffin’s team was a perfect 5-for-5 in red zone scoring against Oklahoma — and that focus must carry over. With Lucas Carneiro steady on special teams and the offensive line protecting at a high level, the formula is simple: play clean, execute on every drive, and keep the momentum rolling.

If the Rebels protect the football and limit mistakes, they should extend their home winning streak and remain firmly in the SEC title race.

Final Word

For Ole Miss, the possible path to the college football playoffs starts with focus, physicality, and finishing. Do these three things, and the Rebels will keep their season’s biggest goals well within reach. Tune in to ESPN at 6:00 p.m. CT as Ole Miss and South Carolina kick off.