News Summary
Ole Miss prepares for a crucial SEC matchup against Arkansas, with both teams entering undefeated at 2-0. Ole Miss, ranked No. 17, looks to maintain momentum after a narrow win over Kentucky, while Arkansas has showcased strong performances in their first two games. The historic rivalry adds intensity to the game, with fans eager for pre-game festivities and a competitive clash at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Oxford, Mississippi – Ole Miss is poised to face Arkansas in a crucial Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown on Saturday, September 13, at 6 p.m. CT at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Both teams enter this matchup undefeated, boasting records of 2-0. Ole Miss is currently ranked No. 17 in the nation after securing a narrow 30-23 victory over Kentucky in their first SEC game.
Arkansas has also shown strong performances in their opening games, decisively defeating Alabama A&M 52-7 and Arkansas State 56-14. A notable aspect of this matchup is the historical performance; last season, Ole Miss triumphed over Arkansas with a commanding 63-31 victory in Fayetteville.
In recent years, the home team has had the upper hand, winning five of the last six contests in this rivalry. As excitement builds for the game, various activities for fans will kick off early in the day. Parking operations for the event will begin at 7 a.m. CT, followed closely by the opening of the Reserved North Plaza Tailgate at the same time. The Coca-Cola FanFest will offer entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. CT, while stadium gates will open at 4 p.m. CT. Pre-game festivities will culminate with the National Anthem set for 5:50 p.m. CT before kickoff.
Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is returning to practice after previously being listed as probable due to an injury. His performance will be closely watched following a game where he completed 13 of 24 passes, albeit with a focus on minimizing turnovers moving forward. The Rebels’ running back, Kewan Lacy, has emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly with 28 carries, 138 yards, and a touchdown against Kentucky, emphasizing the team’s strong running game.
On the defensive side, Ole Miss has also made notable strides, limiting their opponents to just 69 passing yards against Georgia State and 187 against Kentucky. Zxavian Harris, a preseason All-SEC selection, has been performing well, bolstering the Rebels’ defensive line.
Meanwhile, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman has acknowledged the unique challenges posed by Ole Miss’s potent offensive strategy. Quarterback Taylen Green is having an impressive season, having thrown for 561 yards and 10 touchdowns, alongside accumulating 192 rushing yards. The Razorbacks feature a noteworthy running game as well, with Mike Washington averaging 10.8 yards per rush, indicating that both teams will come equipped to put points on the board.
The betting line for this exciting encounter originally favored Ole Miss by nearly 10 points but has since shifted to a more modest 6.5-point advantage, suggesting an anticipated close contest. Mississippi’s home-field advantage could play a significant role in what is expected to be a high-scoring and competitive game.
As kickoff approaches, fans on both sides are eager to see which team will continue their perfect start to the season, adding stakes to this SEC rivalry. The game not only serves as a vital matchup in the conference standings but also adds another chapter to the storied history shared between these rival teams.
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Additional Resources
- THV11
- USA Today
- CBS Sports
- Clarion Ledger
- On3
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Football
- Google Search: Arkansas Razorbacks Football
- Google Scholar: College Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Ole Miss vs Arkansas
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