Using ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) as a guide, Ole Miss has a 95.8 percent chance to beat UL Lafayette on Saturday.

OLE MISS DEFENSE TO WREAK HAVOC ON RAGIN’ CAJUNS

The Ole Miss Rebels are an overwhelming favorite in this week’s showdown with UL Lafayette, and for good reason. Ole Miss is 2-0 and has won those two games by a combined 60 points while allowing just 16 total points. The Ragin’ Cajuns, meanwhile, are just 1-1 so far this season after losing by 28 last week against Louisiana Tech.

Ole Miss began the year ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 rankings, and has steadily climbed those rankings to the No. 14 spot this week. A big reason for the Rebels’ success early in 2014 has been their defense, which ranks 26th out of 127 FBS programs in total defense, and ranks fifth in the nation in scoring defense.

The Ragin’ Cajuns, meanwhile, have looked rather pedestrian on the offensive side of the ball, ranking 51st in the FBS in total offense and 64th in scoring offense. The numbers heavily favor Ole Miss when ULL has the football, and it’s very difficult to win a football game when you can’t score points.

It should also be noted Ole Miss will be making its home debut Saturday when ULL comes to town. The Rebels were 5-2 at home last season, and finished the year unbeaten at home against unranked opponents. ESPN’s FPI seems to think this game is as close to a lock as they come, and the numbers make it easy to see why.