ESPN predicts winner of Ole Miss-Kentucky game on Saturday

OXFORD, Miss. — After front-loading its schedule with sweet treats the first four weeks, it’s now time for No. 6 Ole Miss to enter SEC play against the Kentucky Wildcats 2-2 (0-2 SEC).

The Rebels’ prolific offense will now be challenged against a Kentucky defense that has experienced its fair share of ups and downs through the first four weeks of the season. That might be the reason ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Ole Miss a 90.5% chance of winning this Saturday.

This series has often favored Ole Miss over the years with the Rebels’ leading the all-time series 29-14-1. Looking at the series history, Kentucky hasn’t been victorious in Oxford since 1978 when it won 24-17.

Both teams played non-conference tune-up games going into week five with Ole Miss defeating Georgia Southern 52-13 and Kentucky stuffing Ohio’s offense 41-6. Against conference opponents, the Wildcats have surrendered 22 points (No. 6) and 257 yards per game (No. 2) in league play.

Sep 21, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Zion Childress (11) celebrates with defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) after Harrison intercepts an Ohio Bobcats pass and scores a touchdown during the third quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Rebels coach Lane Kiffin’s offense is one of the more explosive units in the country this season averaging 671 yards (No. 1 nationally) and leading the nation in points per game with 55. His quarterbacks are completing a shade over 73% of passes with 13 touchdown passes to go along.

“Everyone talks about the offense and the tempo and the explosive plays, which is well-deserved being the No. 1 offense in the country,” Stoops said told reporters Monday. “670 yards per game, 422 passing, 248 rushing, so, really amazing, eye-popping statistics. They really do a great job with Lane and Charlie Wies Jr. Their whole offensive staff is remarkable. They’re a very good football team offensively.”

Sep 14, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin during the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Kiffin was equally high on Kentucky’s “NFL-like” defense Monday. The unit will provide a much more physical challenge than Ole Miss has previously faced.

Even though Ole Miss still has multiple ranked opponents left on its schedule like No. 14 LSU, No. 2 Georgia and No. 21 Oklahoma, the Rebels still have the weakest remaining strength of schedule in the SEC. Passing the eye test is likely necessary if fans plan on chanting “Hotty Toddy” come time for the College Football Playoffs.

Ole Miss will kick off against Kentucky on Saturday at noon with the game being broadcast nationally on ABC.