A Halloween weekend game, an Auburn team that’s been equal parts dangerous and unpredictable, and an Ole Miss squad looking to bounce back after a tough trip to Texas.
It sounds like the recipe for another interesting night at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Will the Rebels respond with one of their best performances of the season, or can Auburn spoil the party?
The HottyToddy.com staff weighs in with predictions, key storylines and score picks for Saturday night’s SEC showdown in Oxford.
HottyToddy.com Staff Picks
Andy Hodges
When Billy Cannon returned a punt for a legendary touchdown in 1959, I was alive but had no idea it was even going on that I can remember. Nearly 70 years later it’s still a headline around Ole Miss fans because it killed their perfect season but they still got a national championship they claim. After their chances to win one this year were dealt a big blow at Texas last week now they face a bi-polar Auburn team on Halloween night. After the Tigers beat Georgia a couple of weeks ago some are wondering if they can do it again. What nobody mentions is the Rebels bounced back from a blowout loss to Florida and kicked Vanderbilt and Missouri off the field. Trinidad Chambliss had an up-and-down day against the Longhorns but that seems to be happening all over college football this year, especially in the SEC where they are almost to a coin flip to decide who will be in Atlanta for the league title game. I’ll go with the Rebels in this one, mainly because I’m not ready to buy in on any team being that great called the Tigers, has a chant called War Eagle and a bald eagle flies over the stadium and everybody cheers. I’ll take the Air Force flyovers the Rebels have at the Vaught. They can clinch bowl eligibility but nothing else. Ole Miss 38, Auburn 21
Taylor Hodges
In this era of SEC parity, who knows what’s about to happen. Whatever concerns we had about the Ole Miss defense remain and I wouldn’t be surprised if Byrum Brown has a big rushing day. I also wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Luke Ferrelli has a big game spying Brown for four quarters. What would surprise me is Trinidad Chambliss having another off game. Auburn isn’t Texas and while some of Chambliss’ woes last week were self-inflicted, I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t have a big game against one the SEC’s worst pass defenses. I’ll also be surprised if Ole Miss doesn’t record at lest four sacks. Auburn’s offensive line has given up 30 sacks already this season and the Rebels have too many talented pass rushers not to take advantage. So, I’m going with the Rebels to win but Auburn will keep it close enough to put some fright in Ole Miss fans on Halloween. Ole Miss 34, Auburn 24
Ryan Leider
After a tough loss against Texas last weekend, I think the Rebels are coming into Saturday’s game with something to prove. Auburn has definitely shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the SEC, especially after their upset against Georgia, so I wouldn’t underestimate them. With Kewan Lacy out, Trinidad Chambliss is going to have to step up and lead the offense, but I think he’s more than capable of getting the job done. Playing at home gives Ole Miss another advantage, and I expect the Rebels to come out with a lot more energy and determination. I don’t think Auburn will make it easy, but I’m confident the Rebels will bounce back and get the win. Ole Miss 35, Auburn 20
Hudson Miller
Ole Miss is hosting the haunted Vaught this week against unranked Auburn. Trinidad Chambliss had a poor performance on the road against Texas, but I think people are pouring way too much into how he played. You have to remember that Darrel K. Royal Stadium seats 102,000+ people, and it is hard for anyone to play in that environment. My overall analysis is that Trinidad had an off game, and that he like everyone else is human. As far as Auburn is concerned, the Tigers fell short against Lane Kiffin last week. You’re beginning to wonder if the Tigers’ win against Georgia was a fluke, I’m here to tell you it was. Auburn’s underwhelming offense is no match for the spooky environment that is waiting Saturday. Watch Chambliss throw for 280 yards with a pair of touchdowns in a big win for the Rebels. Ole Miss 41, Auburn 17
