We learned last night at the Oxford Quarterback Club meeting that the largest crowd in Texas history (pro or college) will see Ole Miss play Saturday night in College Station.
Slightly less than 107,000 will personally be on hand to watch Ole Miss attempt to extend its record to 6-0 in what is shaping up to be a magic season!
Why is this game important? There are numerous reasons. Here are the primary ones…
A. The SEC western title still remains the focus as NO Rebel team has ever accomplished this. B. Ole Miss is 0-6 versus A&M Alltime, a record that needs to show a victory on “our side.” C. Both Ole Miss and A&M remain in the hunt to be included in the NCAA’s “elite four” for the número UNO playoff system established this year! D. To remain in step with MSU as the No. 3 Bulldogs (tied with the No. 3 Rebels) destroyed A&M this past week by a comfortable margin. E. The Ole Miss running game still appears to be the weakest component of this year’s team, if there is a weak component. A&M is one of the easier teams in the league to run against this season averaging giving up 178 yards per outing on the ground. F. Although the Alabama win was huge, it could be diminished slightly if the Rebs should not prevail Saturday night. However, if “we” lose, it’s not the end of the world (per Skeeter Davis).
Confession time…This past June when I was analyzing the season once Phil Steele’s magazine arrived, I thought the Rebels could possibly go 11-1 with the only loss being the one this week.
After A&M “hammered” SC on the road in the opening week, my thought process was reinforced. However, after the events of this past Saturday, I’m now on the fence. Despite the Rebs being a 3-point “dog” in Vegas (but not a Bulldog) I predicted the score yesterday to be 27-17 Ole Miss winning. I don’t like making predictions, because I’m usually wrong. I did, by the way, pick us to defeat Alabama almost by the exact score.
In summary, this team may be a team of destiny with forces prevailing we cannot explain. When Golson intercepted the pass to give Bama its first loss in 2014, there were exactly 38 seconds left on the clock. Maybe “it is time” Rebel Nation for the elusive championship to come home to Oxford. Wouldn’t the championship trophy look nice sitting next to this year’s Egg Bowl trophy! Only “time” will tell.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford. Steve’s lifelong dream has been to live in Oxford full-time. “I am now living my dream daily as is my wife Rosie, who works with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce,” Steve said. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745
Vassallo: Texas A&M Awaits, Magic Within Rebels Reach
