Throughout the summer, we will be analyzing each of Ole Miss’ 12 opponents for the 2015 season and sizing up how difficult the game will be in relationship to the strength of schedule.
We will take the teams in order of meeting date in an attempt to better inform our fanbase what to realistically anticipate going into this new season.
Opponent No. 9: Auburn Tigers, October 31
- SEC West member
- 2014 record: 8-5, 4-4 (Def. Ole Miss 35-31)
- Difficulty Ranking: 2nd
- Head Coach: Gus Malzahn (20-7, 3rd season)
- Colors: Blue, Orange
- Enrollment: 25,912 (2014)
- Jordan-Hare Stadium capacity: 87,451Opponent No. 9: Auburn Tigers, Oct. 31
Forecast: With the arrival of Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp Auburn is hoping to turn a defense around that yielded 27 points and 400 yards per game a year ago. Scoring should not be a problem as the Tigers have numerous tools starting with 6-5, 230 LB. QB Jeremy Johnson. Johnson’s top receiver will be D’haquille “Duke” Williams who
collected 45 catches for 730 yards last season. Running backs Roc Thomas and the number 1 JUCO transfer, Jovon Robinson, will be a double threat. Six starters are new on offense including 3 linemen. Seven starters return on defense including Carl Lawson (back from an injury) who will fill the hybrid “Buck” role which is a DE-OLB post. The primary concern on defense will be the undersized DB’s who will be trying to contain the league’s premier
receivers particularly against a team like Ole Miss.
Conclusion: Will Johnson become another Nick Marshall? It’s hard to say until we get into live action, but it won’t take long for the answer as Auburn opens against Louisville September 5th in Atlanta, a game Ole Miss fans need to pay close attention to. Prior to our Halloween matchup, Auburn must face LSU on the road, MSU at home and the week
before at Arkansas. Getting up for this one the Rebs should have no problem after what happened in 2014 including Auburn’s new 12 man offense. With Auburn having the nation’s worst record a year ago for recovering fumbles, this contest could easily come down to a turnover making the difference. If the Rebs enter the game 8-0 as we’re forecasting, Auburn will not derail this shark attack this time around. Expect Ole Miss to be at an “all time high”
with the Tigers/Plainsmen/War Eagles (or whoever they are) holding the empty gobbler’s bag after the trick or treating concludes.
Our score prediction: Ole Miss 27 Auburn 24 (Ole Miss now 9-0, 5-0 and #2 nationally)
Next Week: Arkansas Razorbacks
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