No. 9 Ole Miss comes out of its bye week looking to steady itself after a swing of results that showed both sides of SEC life.
The Rebels opened conference play with one of the season’s biggest early statements, knocking off LSU and former head coach Lane Kiffin in a top-10 showdown that drew heavy attention. One week later, they were on the wrong end of a 52-28 loss at Florida. That’s the backdrop as Ole Miss (3-1, 1-1 SEC) heads to Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-2) on Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.
Pete Golding said the response during the off week was the one he wanted to see.
"I think they came back and responded the right way," Rebels coach Pete Golding said. "Accountability and ownership come from everyone, and it started with me first.
You can't watch the tape, see certain things and be OK with it. You just can't. ...
There's room for improvement in all three phases, no doubt, starting with me.
"A lot of people have looked in the mirror and asked whether we're doing everything we can control. That's all my concern is.
Are we going to work our butt off and control the things we can control? If we do that, put our best foot forward and don't win the game, I'm OK with that because I know if we do it the right way throughout the week and they go all-in and do things right, we'll win most of them.
We have good enough players to do that. But if we don't, we don't deserve to (win)."
Ole Miss also expects a key piece back on offense. Leading rusher Kewan Lacy sat out against Florida after a shoulder injury he suffered against LSU, but Golding said, "I fully anticipate having him this week."
That matters for a Rebels offense driven by Heisman Trophy contender Trinidad Chambliss at quarterback. Ole Miss has piled up 322.5 passing yards per game, tops in the SEC, and is averaging 440.0 total yards and 35.5 points. Deuce Alexander remains one of the major playmakers in that group.
The concern is the other side of the ball. Ole Miss is last in the SEC in scoring defense at 30.8 points allowed per game, run defense at 194.8 yards allowed and total defense at 404.8 yards allowed.
Vanderbilt’s season has followed a different arc. The Commodores won all three of their nonconference games, highlighted by a wild 35-31 win over NC State when they recovered a fumble in the end zone in the final seconds.
But SEC play has been tougher. Vanderbilt lost 21-15 at Auburn and then fell 38-14 at home to No.
2 Georgia.
Quarterback Jared Curtis did not play against Georgia after suffering a knee injury against Auburn, though he returned to practice Tuesday and Clark Lea said he is day-to-day.
If Curtis is available, he’ll be trying to lift an offense that ranks 14th in the SEC in both scoring and yardage, averaging 25.4 points and 349.4 yards per game.
Lea knows Vanderbilt won’t likely win a track meet with Ole Miss. His focus is on keeping the Rebels’ offense off the field and making the most of the moments that do come.
"The best defense to (the Rebels') offense is them not being on the field," Lea said. "That's where we need to work all three phases together.
Finish drives with kicks. We don't need to give them extra possessions by turning the ball over.
Then also take advantage of explosive moments when they present themselves."
In Other News...
Ole Miss Is Making A Uniform Change Fans Will Definitely Notice
Ole Miss is headed for a major wardrobe shift, and it will not be subtle. Ole Miss Athletics announced a new seven-year partnership with adidas beginning July 1, 2027, ending a 27-year run with Nike and setting up a fresh look across all 18 varsity programs. The deal covers apparel, footwear and equipment, while also opening the door to expanded Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for student-athletes.
For Rebels fans, the most immediate intrigue is how the new partnership will balance change with tradition. Both sides say the schools familiar colors and marks will be preserved, but adidas will also have a chance to introduce new branding and uniform designs. After nearly three decades with the same outfitter, the transition figures to be one of the more noticeable off-field changes around the program in the coming years. [Read more 🡒]
Eli Manning Just Put Ole Miss Fans In An Awkward Spot
Eli Manning created a little discomfort for Ole Miss fans this week when he made clear where his loyalties will land for Texas upcoming game against the Rebels in Austin. The former Ole Miss star said he will be pulling for his nephew, Arch Manning, and the Longhorns in this one, even while emphasizing that his connection to his alma mater has not changed.
It is the sort of family-versus-school moment that college football specializes in, especially with Arch now in the spotlight as Texas starting quarterback. Eli said he only has a limited window to root for his nephew during a college career that is still unfolding, which leaves Rebels fans in the odd position of hearing one of their most famous alumni openly cheer against them for a week. [Read more 🡒]
Eli Manning Just Added Intrigue To Ole Miss vs Texas
The buildup to Ole Miss-Texas on Oct. 24 already had plenty of juice, and Eli Manning just gave it another wrinkle. On a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, the former Rebels star said hell be pulling for his nephew, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, when the teams meet during the 2026 college football season.
Its a small family decision, but a notable one for Ole Miss fans who have long claimed Manning as one of their own. Arch has helped Texas get off to a 4-0 start and has put together the kind of passing numbers that make the matchup feel even bigger, with the Longhorns carrying real momentum into a game that now comes with an extra layer of Manning family intrigue. [Read more 🡒]