ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of SEC opener between Ole Miss and Kentucky
Published:
As the SEC season heats up, Week 2 promises an electric clash between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington. This matchup is steeped in intrigue, especially after Kentucky pulled off a stunning upset against Ole Miss last year in Oxford.
In Saturday’s matchup, ESPN’s FPI gives Lane Kiffin’s Rebels a commanding edge with an impressive 83.6% chance of victory on the road, while Kentucky stands at just 16.4% to pull off another home upset at Kroger Field in Week 2.
Ole Miss enters the game riding high after a resounding 63-7 victory over the Georgia State Panthers. The Austin Simmons era is officially underway. The sophomore lefty quarterback showcased his potential by throwing for 341 yards on 31 attempts to go with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
On the other side of the field, Kentucky narrowly escaped Toledo with a hard-fought 24-16 win. Super senior Zach Calzada struggled to make an impact — he managed only 85 yards through the air on 10 completions from 23 attempts without any touchdowns and threw one interception.
However, he did contribute a rushing touchdown while carrying the ball 10 times for just 14 yards. The Wildcats leaned heavily on their ground game attack featuring transfer running back Dante Dowell, who turned out an impressive 129 rushing yards on 14 carries and added one touchdown to his tally.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at Kroger field at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
