Postby Deltamud77 » Tue Oct 28, 2014 8:28 am
This will be another game that goes into the 4th quarter in doubt for both teams.
Thoughts On Auburn:
(1) I think they may be the best one loss team in the country - IMO, if they played State again, the outcome would be different. They spotted State 21 points right out of the gate with turnovers (which State admittedly forced). Having been at the game, I felt that Auburn was much better than a 15 point loss to State in Vegas. From the second quarter to the fourth quarter, they actually seemed to be a much better team.
(2) That said, they probably should have lost to a USCe team that has ranged from respectable to horrible throughout the season.
(3) I think their run game may give Ole Miss some trouble and they are a much better passing team than LSU (I think the two best receivers on the field will be playing for Auburn in Coats and Williams on Saturday).
(4) However, I don't think Auburn scores more than 24 points because the Ole Miss defensive is insanely good.
Thoughts on Ole Miss:
(1) How will injuries to RN, Tunsil and Prewitt affect the Rebels. All are expected to play, but how much will their play be affected by the injuries - will they be 60%, 80% or near 100%?
(2) What is the emotional status of a team that suffered a big loss on a big stage - can Freeze refocus them and keep their eye on the prize?
(3) I think Bo Wallace bounces back and has a good game. He didn't have a bad game in Baton Rouge - LSU was just clicking on defense.
(4) I am interested to see if Ole Miss can generate a run game to open up the pass. LSU did not respect the Ole Miss run game in the second half and was able to commit an extra defensive back to pass protection.
I think this game comes down to who wants it more because either team is able to beat the other. Freeze resurrected Ole Miss last year after a tough loss to Texas A&M that left them without multiple starters and beat a top 10 LSU team the next week. He has shown he can recover. Malzahn teams have shown an ability to persevere more than any other team in the last two years.
My Prediction:
Auburn wins 21-20.