1. What type of game do we expect from Laquon Treadwell against Auburn and is there any extra motivation for him with the injury he suffered against Auburn last season?
Collin- Treadwell is going to destroy Auburn. There you are. Have a nice day.
Cody- I expect to see Treadwell’s most dominant game of the season. Treadwell himself said that there is some extra motivation for this game after missing so much time after the injury in last year’s game. Although Auburn will definitely be keyed in on trying to stop him, Treadwell should still be able to get loose and have a big game. With three-straight 100 yard games, Treadwell is definitely fully recovered and should have an even bigger game on Saturday.
Browning- Laquon Treadwell is certainly hitting his stride and improving his NFL Draft stock as the season progresses. I think we’re waiting for a statement game by Treadwell that scouts will remember come draft time. You get the feeling this moment might come pretty soon for Laquon. I expect a big game for him as he will certainly play with extra motivation after last years’ Auburn game.
2. Do you see the running game picking up where they left off last game against Texas A&M into this week?
Collin- While I do think the running game will be better than it was the first seven games, I don’t expect to see the level of success that it saw against Texas A&M. I think Ole Miss will be able to run the football occasionally but will rely on their gifted receivers.
Cody- I don’t expect it to be quite as good, but it should still be effective, as Auburn has had plenty of defensive struggles this season. With Laremy Tunsil back there will definitely still be improvement, as the line looked the best it has all season last week. Auburn does have some dangerous players on the defensive line, but they will likely be without star defensive end Carl Lawson and have trouble with Jaylen Walton’s speed on the edge.
Browning- Auburn ranks dead last in total rushing defense, allowing 209.6 yards on the ground per game. Getting that statement win over Texas A&M gave the Rebels hope that they can still win the SEC. With the running game eclipsing over 200 yards rushing, I expect an encore performance against an Auburn defense that has struggled all season long.
3. With Robert Nkemdiche coming back and the possibility of Tony Conner making his return, what can they do for the “landshark” defense?
Collin- I think the defense could have a big day. They had a field day with Kyle Allen and I expect them to have an even bigger day against Sean White. Peyton Barber is a very good running back, but I think his rushing presence alone won’t be enough to trouble the Rebels. The defense struggled against Auburn last year, so I expect them to have a revenge factor.
Cody- No two players’ returns could have a bigger on the field impact than Robert Nkemdiche and Tony Conner. Although redshirt freshman Breeland Speaks has played excellently in Nkemdiche’s absence, Nkemdiche takes up a lot of attention up front, freeing up the rest of the defensive line, and has been key for the Rebels to get into the backfield. Meanwhile, Conner adds the tackling of a linebacker but also the coverage skills of a nickelback, which is a big help against any offense the Rebels will face.
Browning- I expect a repeat performance of last week if Robert Nkemdiche and Tony Conner are able to play. Those two are the best players on this defense and it was very impressive to see Ole Miss play so well without them. The Aggies scored a grand total of 3 points without those guys playing. If you plug those guys back in on defense, Auburn is in for a long day of trouble.
4. Will revenge play a factor into the outcome of this years game with Auburn?
Collin- How Ole Miss lost to Auburn last year was one of the most painful ways a team could lose a game. I think Auburn is about ready to quit on themselves. After a 4 OT defeat in Fayetteville, the Tigers just don’t have much more to play for, unless they’re fired up for the Liberty Bowl. Although I don’t think “revenge” will factor into the game too much, I believe that if Ole Miss jumps out on Auburn, they might not exactly pull up.
Cody- Although most coaches and players would never admit it, there are probably some hard feelings over the end of last year’s game, which ended in a 35-31 loss. It was not only just a tough loss which ended the Rebels’ playoff chances, but it was also emotional. The game-changing play came when Laquon Treadwell broke his leg. There will certainly be a want for revenge for the game last year, but head coach Hugh Freeze should still be able to keep the team level-headed.
Browning – Last year’s loss took Ole Miss out of the picture for the College Football Playoff. With Ole Miss controlling their own destiny to win the conference, I don’t see Auburn ruining their season again this year. Before the season when Auburn was a top 10 team, I still predicted Ole Miss to win this game. Revenge will be on their minds, but the LSU game is the biggest revenge game left on the schedule.
SCORE PREDICTIONS:
Collin- Ole Miss 37 Auburn-13
Cody- Ole Miss 41 Auburn 17
Browning- Ole Miss 31 Auburn 20
