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

Auburn QB Nick Marshall vs. Ole Miss front seven

Coming off a game in which he amassed 228 total yards, Auburn’s senior quarterback Nick Marshall is the Tigers’ X-factor against No. 7 Ole Miss this week.

Marshall is beginning to hit his stride this season running the zone read, and despite what the numbers may say, he’s improved as a passer and has one of the top wideouts in the country to throw to in Duke Williams. The Tigers got back to the run last week against South Carolina, rushing for nearly 400 yards.

However, Marshall faces the nation’s top defense this week, and Mississippi State showed us that Marshall can make mistakes when pressured.

Ole Miss features a physical front seven that has the ability to dominate the trenches. The Rebels have essentially two set of defensive linemen; they have a run-stopping rotation and a pass-stopping rotation. A huge key this week will be the Tigers’ ability to dictate the pace and now allow Ole Miss to substitute.

The Rebels have recorded 55 tackles for loss and 18 sacks. Marshall needs to be efficient, and run the ball effectively. Even more importantly, however, he must protect the football and make good decisions. Marshall must take what Ole Miss gives him. If that’s the run, run the football. If he has opportunities to throw the football, find Williams and get Sammie Coates involved.