The 3 Biggest X-Factors for Tennessee Volunteers vs. Ole Miss Rebels

The Tennessee Volunteers will travel to Oxford, Mississippi, on Saturday to take on the No. 3 Ole Miss Rebels.

On paper, this game is all Ole Miss—which explains the Rebels being favored by nearly three touchdowns. But Tennessee may have a few tricks up its sleeves to keep this one close heading into the fourth quarter.

Along with in-state rival Mississippi State, Ole Miss is the biggest surprise in the college football world this season, as it knocked off No. 1 Alabama in Oxford and blasted No. 14 Texas A&M at Kyle Field.

The Vols, on the other hand, appear much improved on defense, but a shaky offensive line means the team is still forced to settle for moral victories and close defeats against opponents like Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida.

If there's one aspect of the game to watch on Saturday, it's the Rebels defensive line versus the Vols offensive line. Ole Miss has one of the best pass rushes in all of college football, while Tennessee may have the worst offensive line in the SEC. 

Quarterback Justin Worley will get sacked and have to run for his life more often than not, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Vols don't stand a chance in this game. 

Here are the three biggest X-factors heading into Saturday's matchup with Ole Miss that could keep the Vols within striking distance for all four quarters. 

USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurd

It's a harsh assessment to say that Jalen Hurd is being wasted behind Tennessee's offensive line this season, but that's close to the reality of the situation. Hurd is clearly Tennessee's most talented tailback in a decade or more, but even Jamal Lewis would put up pedestrian stats when there's simply no room to run.

Despite the lack of a push up front, Hurd is making the best of his debut season, rushing for 374 yards and two touchdowns for an average of 4.5 yards per carry.

Hurd's biggest strength is his ability to power through what appear to be run-stopping tackles and push forward to gain an extra yard or two. Those hard runs help turn what would be 3rd-and-5 into 3rd-and-1, making offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian's job much easier when it comes to moving the chains and keeping the offense on the field.

After suffering a shoulder injury against Florida and re-aggravating it against Chattanooga, Hurd should be fully healthy for Saturday's game, as reported by The Tennessean's Matt Slovin. 

Along with fellow freshman Derrell Scott, Hurd must continue to average somewhere in the realm of four yards per carry to keep Ole Miss's defense keyed in on the run. That will give Justin Worley some time in the pocket and allow Tennessee's receivers time to get separation. 

USA TODAY Sports

Derek Barnett

Ole Miss' quarterback Bo Wallace isn't elite, but he's good enough to make defenses pay when he has enough time in the pocket. That's why it's vital for freshman phenom Derek Barnett to live in the Rebels backfield Saturday and force Wallace out of the pocket and into making bad decisions with the football.

"

Derek Barnett is making plays? Tell me something new..#Vols

— Leonard Little (@DBL_L_01) October 11, 2014"

Although he's only a freshman, Barnett is already the team's best pass-rusher and seems to be improving each week. 

It's up to Barnett to stop Wallace from maintaining his season average of 68.5 percent completions and a whopping 283.3 passing yards per game. 

If Barnett can get his hands on Wallace early, the Tennessee defense can start setting the tone for the game, as defensive backs Cam Sutton, Justin Coleman and Todd Kelly Jr. will be ready to capitalize on any errant throws from the Rebels quarterback. 

USA TODAY Sports

Von Pearson

Since suffering an ankle injury against Arkansas State on Sept. 6, Von Pearson has only caught three passes—two against Florida and one against Chattanooga. 

Through the first two games of the year, it looked like Pearson was on his way to becoming one of the Vols' top receivers, but his injury has caused him to essentially miss one-third of his debut season on Rocky Top.

Pearson is mostly recovered from his injury and will play against Ole Miss, but it remains to be seen if he's back to 100 percent yet. 

His limited action in Tennessee's previous two games suggests he may still be playing hurt, but even a slightly banged up Pearson is better than no Pearson at all—especially with sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith still on the sidelines recovering from an ankle injury of his own.

Tennessee's wide receiver corps is stacked to the brim with talent and experience, and Pearson's presence makes it even more of an unfair matchup with Ole Miss's secondary.

If Worley can efficiently distribute the ball on Saturday, Pearson should have several opportunities to display his elite catching ability and shiftiness.