The Ole Miss Rebels and Florida Gators meet this Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in a crucial SEC clash. The No. 9 Rebels (8-2) look to strengthen their College Football Playoff hopes, while the Gators (5-5) aim to keep their postseason dreams alive. With contrasting styles and plenty on the line, this game promises to be a must-watch for SEC fans.
Ole Miss enters on a three-game winning streak, most recently dispatching Georgia in a dominant 28-10 victory. Led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Rebels’ explosive offense has averaged 40.7 points per game, ranking fourth nationally. Florida, on the other hand, comes off an upset win over LSU and will rely on their young talent to pull off another surprise against a ranked opponent.
Ole Miss Rebels Preview
Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been the engine of Ole Miss’ high-powered offense, throwing for 3,409 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. His favorite target, Tre Harris, is expected to return after missing three games with a back injury. Harris has already racked up 987 receiving yards and six touchdowns this season, providing a significant boost to an offense averaging 364.4 passing yards per game.
The Rebels’ ground game complements their aerial attack, with Jordan Watkins and Quinshon Judkins contributing as dual threats. Defensively, Ole Miss has been solid, allowing just 26.4 points per game while forcing opponents into difficult passing situations. Head coach Lane Kiffin knows his team must maintain focus to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Ole Miss’ last visit to Gainesville didn’t go well, suffering a 38-10 loss in 2015. However, this year’s squad is firing on all cylinders and looks poised to reverse that trend.
Florida Gators Preview
The Gators snapped a two-game skid with a 27-16 victory over LSU, showcasing improvement on both sides of the ball. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway returned from injury and delivered a steady performance, throwing for 226 yards and a touchdown. Lagway’s leadership and confidence have instilled hope in a Florida team seeking to reclaim its SEC dominance.
On defense, the Gators will need another strong showing from linebacker Shemar James, who recorded two sacks last week. Florida’s pass rush could be the key to disrupting Dart and the Rebels’ rhythm.
While Florida has a respectable 4-2 home record, they face an uphill battle against one of the SEC’s top teams. Consistency and execution will be crucial if the Gators hope to pull off the upset.
Ole Miss vs Florida Prediction
Ole Miss’ explosive offense and balanced defense make them the favorites in this matchup. Florida has shown resilience, but their inconsistency on both sides of the ball could spell trouble against a playoff-caliber team. Expect the Rebels to control the pace and capitalize on their superior playmakers.
- Our Pick: Ole Miss -11.5
- Score Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Florida 20
