Top SEC Games: Week 9 Edition
Oct 24, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jason Smith (4) scores a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
19 Ole Miss VS Auburn
Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Game Time: Saturday, October 31 12:00PM ET
TV: ESPN
How devastated is Auburn right now. After fighting back just to send the game against Arkansas to overtime, the Tigers ultimately lost in not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 overtimes. Incredible game last weekend.
The drop passes by the Auburn receiving corps certainly leave the impression that maybe Auburn let this one slip away and were the architects of their own demise.
Fast forward to this Saturday and enter Ole Miss, along with their Landshark Defense that finally surfaced last weekend. The Landsharks tormented the young A&M quarterback Kyle Allen from start to finish. How much of that was the product of a swarming defense? How much was the product of terrible quarterback play? The argument can be made for both. One thing that is for certain is this: Ole Miss still controls its own destiny in conference play.
To me, the early kickoff favors the Rebels on the road. Just how motivated will the Tigers be after the demoralizing loss in Fayetteville? How “up” will the Auburn crowd be for an early kickoff? Ole Miss has been terrible on the road this year, minus the game in Tuscaloosa earlier this season. If this had been a late afternoon, or night, game I think the odds would stack in Auburn’s favor.
What exactly is Auburn playing for now? Playoff and conference championship goals have been thrown out the window. Bowl rankings? Sure. But for a team with championship aspirations, you have to wonder just how Gus Malzahn and his staff will motivate their players going forward.
Let’s flip to Ole Miss. Ole Miss still has everything in front of them. However, if the Rebels don’t show up Saturday morning they will find themselves next week in the same spot Auburn is currently in. No motivation for the Tigers, and an excess amount for the Rebels.
But we all know games aren’t played on paper, or in smoke filled lounges in Vegas.
Side note: The wildcard here is a breakout game from Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell. Treadwell will face the same team he almost single-handedly beat last year before breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle while trying to score the go-ahead touchdown late.