REBELS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK: VANDERBILT GAME PREVIEW

After a disappointing blowout loss to Florida and a bye week to regroup, the Ole Miss Rebels look to bounce back today versus the Vanderbilt Commodores. Vanderbilt enters 3-2, following a tough 38-14 loss at Georgia. The Commodores have regressed greatly since their 10-3 season last year, ranking 14th in the conference in offensive yards and 11th in defensive yards.

The Rebels offense has not been an issue this year, averaging 35.5 points per game. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 1,222 yards and 8 touchdowns. Elite running back Kewan Lacy is a game time decision, which could be a big advantage for Vanderbilt. Ole Miss’ second running back is Makhi Frasier, who has 80 yards on the season. Receiving threats Deuce Alexander, Caleb Odom, Traylon Ray, and Horatio Fields all look to spread the field and help out Chambliss.

If Lacy does not play, this is where Clark Lea and company can take advantage. They allow 128.2 rushing yards per game, showing they are susceptible, but if Makhi Hughes cannot get going, Vanderbilt can start selling out for the pass and forcing Chambliss into bad decisions. Defensive backs Cayden Daniels, CJ Heard, and Ricardo Jones look to lead their group against one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the country. The Commodores will need some disruption from their front 7 including Nick Rinaldi, Issa Ouattara, and Edwin Koledge. 

Vanderbilt will be led by 5 star true freshman Jared Curtis, who missed last week’s game against his prior committed team, Georgia. The Commodores do consistently have one of the worst offenses in the SEC between offensive and defensive yards per game as well as points per game. Curtis will have a two headed monster in the running back room including veteran Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young. Vanderbilt has a clear wide receiver one in Junior Sherill, who has 344 more yards than their next best receiver. 

Ole Miss badly needs to get their defense back on track, following an absolute gashing led by Jadan Baugh and Duke Clark of the Gators. Ole Miss will need to rely on their linebackers to step up, including Keaton Thomas, Luke Ferrelli, and Tah’j Butler. The Rebels do have veterans all over the field, but they should just be able to out-talent the Commodores. 

Although Ole Miss got blatantly exposed against Florida, I expect them to be able to control this game. They have too much talent on the offensive side of the ball, and have enough size on defense to hold up even with their schematic struggles. I do see Vanderbilt giving them a fight and maybe even a scare, but this is Coach Golding’s game to lose. I got the Rebels winning 38-17, giving them some confidence with a gauntlet of their second half schedule on the horizon.