News Summary
The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to take on the Ole Miss Rebels in their SEC opener in Oxford. Scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, this late-summer showdown promises to reignite their long-standing rivalry, with Ole Miss favored to win. Recent matchups have seen the Rebels hold an edge, and this game presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to declare their intentions in the SEC. Arkansas seeks improvement on defense, while Ole Miss looks to continue its success.
Oxford, MS – The Arkansas Razorbacks will travel to Oxford to face the Ole Miss Rebels in their Southeastern Conference (SEC) opener during Week 3 of the college football season. The matchup is set for 7 p.m. ET and will be available on ESPN and Fubo TV. BetMGM has placed Ole Miss as an 8.5-point favorite over Arkansas, with an over/under set at 62.5 points.
This upcoming game marks the continuation of a long-standing rivalry that has seen both teams compete annually since 1981, with their first encounter dating back to 1908. Ole Miss holds a competitive edge in recent matchups, winning the last two contests against Arkansas and five of the last seven overall. Of note, in 2021, Ole Miss narrowly triumphed over Arkansas in a thrilling 52-51 finish that saw Ole Miss score three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Arkansas attempted a two-point conversion in the dying moments of that game, but it ultimately failed.
Last season, the Rebels showcased their dominance with a 63-31 victory over the Razorbacks, which also marked the largest margin in the series’ history. In that game, quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for a record-breaking 515 yards, while receiver Jordan Watkins set a program record with 254 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Despite these historical performances, the Rebels face a new look this season as they aim to solidify their position within the SEC.
A win for Ole Miss in this SEC home opener would serve as a decisive statement regarding their home-field advantage and their aspirations for the season, particularly as they have already secured victories in their first two games, including a critical SEC win against Kentucky. Meanwhile, Arkansas is seeking a ranked road win early in the season to bolster their campaign.
The Razorbacks will face notable challenges, especially considering that their defense struggled during the 2022 season. In the previous year’s matchup against Ole Miss, Arkansas allowed an alarming 562 passing yards. Coach Sam Pittman has expressed concerns over the potential for Arkansas to tip plays against Ole Miss based on their performance in past meetings.
For Arkansas to succeed, key questions loom regarding whether their pass rush can effectively pressure Ole Miss’s sophomore quarterback, Austin Simmons, who has thrown for 576 yards and four interceptions this season. Additionally, the Razorbacks’ secondary must rise to the occasion to manage Ole Miss’s array of talented receivers.
Following the game against Ole Miss, the Razorbacks will take to the road again to face Memphis, while the Rebels are set to host Tulane, a strong competitor in the Group of 5 for the College Football Playoff. This game is expected to have significant implications for both teams, especially as they navigate the challenging early portion of their season in the competitive SEC landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Arkansas Razorbacks Official Site
- Southwest Times Record
- The New York Times
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: Arkansas Razorbacks Football
- Google Search: Arkansas Razorbacks vs Ole Miss
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