In preparation for Saturday’s primetime matchup between Ole Miss and Texas A&M, Saturday Down South is taking a look at a key matchup that may decide the showdown between the Rebels and the Aggies.

Ole Miss defensive front vs. Texas A&M QB Kenny Hill

Saturday night’s contest between the Rebels and Aggies features a top-tier matchup between Ole Miss’ defensive front and the league’s top passing quarterback in Kenny Hill.

Hill leads the SEC in passing yards, passing attempts and passing completions and has been virtually unstoppable. The Rebels, on the other hand, leads the SEC in pass defense and interceptions with arguably the nation’s best defense.

In A&M’s loss at Mississippi State on Saturday, Hill finished 37-of-62 for 365 yards and four touchdowns. However, he threw three picks and averaged a mediocre 5.9 yards per completion. The State defense showed that when pressured, Hill can force some throws into coverage, which led to turnovers on Saturday.

Drops plagued the Aggies in Starkville, but the return of top target Malcome Kennedy this week should provide an anchor to an A&M receiving corps that has been inconsistent at times.

Ole Miss’ ability to create pressure on Hill Saturday night will be crucial to the Rebels success. Dave Wommack’s defense ranks third in the SEC in opponent first downs, allowing just 17.2 per game.

The Rebels — led up front by Robert Nkemdiche, C.J. Johnson and Marquis Haynes — have produced nine sacks and 34 tackles for loss through its five games.

If the Rebels can hold Hill under 250 yards, well below his average of 395 yards per game, this game might not even be close. But their ability to wreak havoc up front will be paramount for Ole Miss to escape College Station at 6-0.