No. 18 Ole Miss faces a pivotal matchup against Oklahoma that could determine their chances of making it to the College Football Playoff. The Rebels are expected to win, especially after a disappointing home loss to Kentucky as 15-point favorites earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma is grappling with its own challenges, particularly uncertainty at quarterback and injuries affecting their wide receiving corps. Jackson Arnold has resumed his role as starting quarterback, but the effectiveness of the offense remains in question due to the lack of available receivers. Ole Miss aims to take an early lead to pressure the Sooners, who are coming off two heavy defeats to Texas and South Carolina.
The game will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 12 p.m. ET at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, and will be broadcast on ESPN. Fans can also livestream the game on fubo.
Oklahoma is undergoing changes with Joe Jon Finley stepping in as the new offensive coordinator. His predecessor, Seth Littrell, was let go due to the struggling offense. However, injuries and a disorganized offensive line have also contributed to these challenges, leading to questions about how much of the offensive issues were truly Littrell’s responsibility.
Arnold may receive some assistance with the potential return of Deion Burks, a top wide receiver who has been out since mid-September. This return could be crucial for keeping pace with Ole Miss.
On the other hand, Ole Miss could benefit from the return of edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, who has missed the past two games due to injury. The Rebels boast a strong defense, ranking second nationally in tackles for loss and seventh in sacks.
When it comes to predictions, the matchup suggests a focus on the point total. Ole Miss is known for its high-scoring offense, but Oklahoma has a solid defensive unit within the SEC that may limit scoring opportunities. The expectation is that the game may stay under the 49-point total.