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The University of Mississippi Athletics
GAME PREVIEW: Ole Miss vs. Auburn
10/27/2008 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. After nearly a month without a home game, the Ole Miss football team returns to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday at 11:30 a.m. CT, when the Rebels take on SEC Western Division foe Auburn.
Saturday's gridiron battle will be televised by Raycom Sports with veteran broadcaster Dave Neal handling the play-by-play duties, while Dave Archer will serve as the color analyst.
Ole Miss (4-4, 2-3 SEC) enters the weekend following a 23-21 road victory over Arkansas in which Rebel quarterback Jevan Snead threw two touchdown passes to up his season total to 12. Senior wide receiver Mike Wallace hauled in five passes for 120 yards and one touchdown to lead the Rebel offensive air attack. In fact, it was Wallace's fourth career game with 100 yards or more receiving.
"I was really proud of the effort Saturday on both sides of the ball," Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt said. "Special teams continue to really help us. The coverage teams' effort has just been outstanding. We have got to learn how to finish and put games away. We have to take advantage of turnovers and miscues, instead of helping them with turnovers and miscues."
On defense, Peria Jerry was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week Monday. A senior tackle from Batesville, Miss., Jerry was credited with five total tackles, including career highs of two sacks and two quarterback pressures. Overall, the Rebel defense held Arkansas to 104 net rushing yards with 38 yards lost on tackles for losses.
After opening the year 4-1 and rising as high as No. 9 in the national polls, the Tigers have dropped three straight, including a 34-17 loss at West Virginia last Thursday.
Junior running back Ben Tate has been their top offensive weapon, averaging 67.2 rushing yards per game with a pair of touchdowns. Junior Chris Todd and sophomore Kodi Burns have split time at quarterback with Burns getting the starting nod last time out. Todd has completed 86-of-156 for 903 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions, while Burns is 30-of-63 for 309 yards, one score and four picks.
"Auburn's offense has a little bit different look compared to the years past," Nutt said. "They're working a few things out. I know how good there offensive line is. I recruited some of those guys and I know they're very physical and athletic. I know how good of a back (Brad) Lester and (Ben) Tate are. I have a lot of respect for them. The worst thing you can say is that they're struggling. I've seen them go. I've seen them have breakout games."
This meeting will be the 33rd all-time between the Rebels and Tigers dating back to 1928, and Auburn holds a 24-8 advantage in the series. Last season, Auburn prevailed 17-3 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tigers have not lost in Oxford since 1992 and own an 8-1 advantage over the Rebels in games played there, including a 23-17 victory two years ago. Overall, Auburn has won 13 of the last 15 meetings dating back to 1993 and 22 of 25 dating back to Auburn's 35-28 win in the 1971 Gator Bowl.
OleMissSports.com will provide live audio through RebelVision, live stats and an in-game blog. The official Rebel athletics website will also provide a full game recap, a photo gallery and live postgame video.
