In preparation for Saturday’s SEC showdown between Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Rebels and the Commodores.

Ole Miss defensive line vs. Vanderbilt tailback Ralph Webb

Derek Mason’s Commodores remain uncertain at the quarterback position, playing three different signal callers in a humbling 37-7 loss at home to Temple last week. One thing the ‘Dores are certain of is redshirt freshman tailback Ralph Webb, who ran for 70 yards on just 14 carries in his Vandy debut against the Owls.

Webb never got the chance to truly flex his muscles as Vanderbilt played from behind for most of the second half, but he has the dynamic skill set to eventually join the ranks of the elite tailbacks in the SEC.

It will be critical for the Ole Miss defensive line to silence Webb early in the game and force the offense to operate through the Commodores’ collection of unproven quarterbacks. Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche made himself at home in the Boise State backfield in the Rebels’ opener last week, and defensive ends Fadol Brown and Marquis Haynes combined for five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack against the Broncos.

The Ole Miss defensive line will benefit from the potential return of nose tackle Issac Gross, helping Nkemdiche get a push up the middle to free up the rest of the front seven in its run-stopping efforts.

Webb is an every-down back who can be of value in any situation: run or pass. He can catch the ball out of the backfield as well as pass protect, making him a focal point for opposing defenses every time he steps onto the field. His electric speed and quickness could wear down the Rebels defensive line by the second half, but if the Commodores fall behind again, it may not matter as the ‘Dores revert back to the pass attack to make up the difference on the scoreboard.