Checking in on the mid-season temperatures in Oxford, Miss…

Hot Hot Hot!

Ole Miss as a team. Many anticipated that the Rebels’ trip to College Station last weekend could potentially be a trap game for Ole Miss after the win over Alabama. That was not the case, however, as the Rebels absolutely dominated Texas A&M. The Rebels are playing fantastic team football. The Landshark defense held A&M to 20 points, 54 yards rushing and held Aggie receivers to their lowest yards after the catch average of the season. On the reverse side of the ball for the Rebels, Ole Miss gained 103 of its 160 rushing yards outside the tackles on Saturday night. First down was key, as Ole Miss gained 205 of its 338 total yards of offense on first downs.

Getting Warmer

The Rebels chances in the SEC West. Ole Miss got a lot of help from its cross-state rival who defeated Auburn last week. The Tigers are the only other ranked opponent the Rebels will face before the Egg Bowl. Beating Auburn on Nov. 1 will go a long way to improving Ole Miss’ chances to win the West, and even if it should lose to Mississippi State, a one-loss Ole Miss team would have a very good resume for the College Football Playoff. If Hugh Freeze’s team can win out, it will win the West. There are many scenarios in which the Rebels can get to Atlanta, thus a loss would not eliminate them.

Tepid

The offense’s success on third downs. Bo Wallace has been very good in conference play, having yet to commit a turnover. The Rebels, however, are struggling to convert on third downs. Ole Miss has converted on just 47 percent of third downs this season. They were able to overcome a 2-10 mark on third downs against Texas A&M by big plays and chunk yardage. Against a better defense, however, Ole Miss will need to extend drives when it has opportunities.

Completely Frozen

Though the running game continues to have some vulnerabilities, it’s been a magical start in Oxford and many experts don’t see the run ending any time soon, believing the Rebels are for real. With arguably the best defensive in college football and a quarterback who has big talent, this team has bought into what Freeze is selling and has no real holes.