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Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC West matchup between the Aggies and Rebels.
November 8, 2016 Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC West matchup between the Aggies and Rebels.
When: Saturday, November 12 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
TV Broadcast: SEC Network
Texas A&M was stunned by Mississippi State in Starkville, losing 35-28 to fall to 7-2 on the season. Quarterback Trevor Knight left the game with a shoulder injury and will be out for the remainder of the regular season, which means Jake Hubenak will start under center for the Aggies against the Rebels.
Ole Miss fell behind early but rallied to beat Georgia Southern. 37-27. The bad news is that quarterback Chad Kelly will be out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL. Jason Pellerin replaced Kelly in the win against the Eagles.
How will Hubenak play? And how will he connect with the talented group of receivers led by Christian Kirk? That will be a main storyline heading into the last three games of the season. Getting help from the running game with Keith Ford would help the transition with the new guy under center.
The Aggies made Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald look like Cam Newton in the loss to the Bulldogs, giving up 391 yards of total offense to the quarterback. They get a break not having to face Kelly, but still have to guard a talented receiver corps led by tight end Evan Engram.
Replacing Kelly will prove difficult for the Rebels, as he was the heart and soul of the offensive unit. Pellerin will give it a shot, and finding Engram should be his number one priority. Running back Akeem Judd should be able to give the Rebels a shot in the arm.
The Rebels defense has been down this year, and the Aggies should be able to run on them with Ford and company. If anything, Ole Miss will try to put pressure on Hubenak and force him into mistakes.
Offense: Tie. Both offenses are without their starting quarterback under center.
Defense: Tie. Both have had trouble stopping the run, with Ole Miss ranked No. 117 in rush defense allowing 240.22 yards per game.
Special Teams: Texas A&M. Kirk at kick returner gives the Aggies an edge.
Coaching: Texas A&M. Sumlin should have the Aggies ready after the upset loss.
Intangibles: Texas A&M. The 12th Man will light a fire under the Aggies.
Two backup quarterbacks vs. expectations
How much of the game plan will the Aggies and Rebels be able to use with backup quarterbacks under center?
Spread: Texas A&M -20
Over/Under: 52.5
Losing Kelly at quarterback is exactly what the Rebels did not need during this tenuous season. He was Ole Miss’ leader and best player, and everything that went well on offense went through him. Sure, A&M is banged up as well, but the Aggies are more well-suited to deal with that then the Rebels. This could be a blowout as the Aggies get back in the win column.
Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss Score Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Ole Miss 20