Ole Miss at Auburn: Will The Rebels Invade The Plains?

The day is Halloween, a day usually celebrated with Burnt Orange across the country. The Auburn Athletic Department chose to make this day for their "Navy Nightmare". It is another attempt at unity for the Auburn faithful, and the choice to separate from the seasonal Burnt Orange was a good choice. I don't think any Auburn fan wants this game designated the "Pumpkin Bowl" or the "Sleepy Hollow Shoot Out".

The game will be played in the morning, a traditionally bad time for Auburn. This might actually be in Auburn's favor this time. This team is tired and beat up, maybe starting early will get the game played while the players are still awake.

The key to this game will be Auburn's newly restored three headed snake on defense. Look for Coleman, Carter and Freeman to attempt to put pressure on Ole Miss's quarterback Snead. If they are successful to any degree it will increase Auburn's chances exponentially. Jevan Snead has been deadly when no pass rush is present. When rushed and hurried his performance has been less than stellar. Dexter McCluster is not as big of a threat as a hot handed Jevan Snead.

Ole Miss has the best defensive line Auburn has faced to this point. They will put pressure on Cris Todd early and often. It is essential for Auburn to establish the run with Smith, Tate and Fannin to slow this pressure down. Auburn's offensive line is not capable of slowing down this rush without the running game in the middle. If Auburn offsets the runs in the middle with a little McCalebb on the corners it will slow down the Ole Miss defense even more and allow the passing game to be established. Arkansas was not able to do this last week and were blown out.

Auburn can run on Ole Miss. If Auburn establishes the run, Auburn will have opportunities down the field with the pass. The point is the run must be established first. If this is not done Cris Todd will be hit and hit hard repeatedly. Ole Miss will not be beat by a pass first approach.

The Ole Miss offensive line is weak against the rush up the middle. Good old fashioned blowing the offensive line back into the pocket is the most effective way to dismantle the Ole Miss offense. If ElToro Freeman gets a solid shot on Dexter McCluster it will limit his effectiveness there after. He will have a chance early and often. Jevan Snead becomes rattled after being sacked with any frequency. Auburn's defensive line should be able to oblige this need.

For Auburn's offense to work, the offensive line actually needs to show up for this one. They will need to establish parity if not dominance over Ole Miss's defensive line. This will make the run effective. If they do not show up nothing else will work. 

Auburn must handle kickoffs and punts with care. One muff in this game could be the difference. Auburn's backfield can intercept Jevan Snead, he has thrown more than his share this year. It would be good for Auburns pass coverage to return to the field.

If the Auburn team from the first five games comes out to play, this will be a fun game to watch. If the Auburn team from the last three games comes out this will be an ugly defensive battle Auburn is likely to lose.

I will not predict the game this week as I do not know which Auburn team is playing Saturday, the tired, beat up one or the ingenious, opportunistic one.