Expert Predictions for the Kentucky vs. Ole Miss Showdown: What the National Media is Saying

Last year, Kentucky surprised everyone by beating No. 6 Ole Miss. Now, as they face Lane Kiffin’s team again, many wonder if they can do it twice. The odds show Ole Miss favored by 10 points, but some still think Kentucky might surprise us.

Ari Wasserman, an expert from On3, is betting on Ole Miss. The Rebels’ new quarterback, Austin Simmons, had a solid start with nearly 350 yards and three touchdowns in his first game against Georgia State. Wasserman believes Simmons will shine again, making Ole Miss a strong contender.

Predictions for Ole Miss vs. Kentucky: Historically, teams focus too much on past games. Ole Miss has a revamped roster, and Simmons is a game-changer.

Kentucky’s defense earned some praise, but there’s concern about their offense. Last week’s performance showed they averaged only 4.6 yards per play and struggled with turnovers. This won’t fly against Ole Miss, which is perceived to be stronger this season.

Connelly’s SP+ analysis gives Ole Miss an 84% chance of win. Their simulation predicts Ole Miss will win by over 16 points. This gap seems to stem from concerns surrounding Kentucky’s ability to score against a robust Ole Miss defense.

Leading thoughts from CBS Sports: Chris Hummer believes Ole Miss will cover the spread. He highlights their strong defensive line, which could negate Kentucky’s running game. In contrast, Brad Crawford sees Kentucky as a potential cover but thinks Ole Miss will still emerge victorious.

Greg McElroy outlines key questions that might decide the game:

• Can Kentucky’s defense handle Ole Miss’s big plays?
• Will Kentucky effectively run the ball to control the game?
• Can Ole Miss’s offensive line protect Simmons?
• Will Kentucky’s wide receivers step up?

On social media, fans are buzzing about the matchup. Many are optimistic about Kentucky’s chances, with hashtags like #BeatOleMiss trending among Wildcats supporters.

Interestingly, historical stats favor an intense matchup. In the last four games between these teams, each was decided by less than a touchdown. This adds another layer of intrigue to the game.

As the Wildcats prepare for this challenge, they know they need to learn from last year’s success while also addressing their weaknesses. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Will Kentucky pull off another upset, or will Ole Miss claim the revenge win they desire?

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