Five reasons Auburn football can beat Ole Miss

Auburn beats the Rebels on Saturday if these five things happen.

Author:
Steve Simpson
Publish date:
Oct 20, 2023 12:34 PM EDT

In this story:

While the Auburn/Ole Miss series isn't much a rivalry historically (Auburn leads 35-11), it has taken on some interesting meaning due to the events of the past couple of years. Auburn prevented Ole Miss from an unprecedented eleven win season in 2021 when they beat the Rebels 31-20 in Jordan-Hare. Last season after Ole Miss defeated Auburn 48-34 in Oxford, rumors abounded that Lane Kiffin was going to be Auburn's next coach and the Rebels season collapsed the rest of the way. Then Auburn did hire a former Ole Miss coach in Hugh Freeze. Now the two will meet Saturday night in Jordan-Hare for what may be the last time for a few years. The Tigers can get another win in this series if they can do these five things.

Quinshon Judkins is contained

The Tigers defense must limit the effectiveness of Quinshon Judkins running the ball. I don't expect them to stop him completely, but they must contain him. Anything 100 yards or less would be a win. Ron Roberts also needs to mix some things up with coverages and blitz's to keep Jaxson Dart guessing.

Auburn actually creates a passing game

Whoever Auburn starts at quarterback, Philip Montgomery needs to let them get in a rhythm passing the ball with some quick slants and short passes (5-10 yards). That will open up the running game a bit more and may help the receivers create some separation for deep throws later in the game. Also, mix up the run and pass on first down, maybe use some play action, try to avoid obvious running or passing options.

Brian Battie gets touches

Brian Battie needs to start at running back and he needs to get the ball both in the running game and passing game. Bring in Hunter and Cobb as needed and do the same with them. This is Auburn's most talented room, outside of the secondary. Need to get all of them the ball in creative ways. They did a good job of that with Cobb last week.

The secondary shows out

The secondary has got to come up with at least one interception in this game. I expect Jaylin Simpson to get another one against the Rebels and wouldn't be surprised if D.J. James had one as well.

The atmosphere is effective

Jordan-Hare Stadium will be rocking Saturday night and the team needs to feed off that energy. If they play as inspired as they did against Georgia, the Tigers could win this game by 10 points. Jordan-Hare at night is that big of an advantage.