No. 9 Mississippi hosts struggling Auburn after comeback win

“We’re at 6-0, high 10 contender proper now, so I really feel like plenty of guys are treating us like a homecoming sport,” mentioned Ole Miss defensive again Ladarius Tennison, a former Auburn participant. “We simply can’t be too snug being on the high.”

In reality, the Rebels needed to rally to beat Vanderbilt with large video games from quarterback Jaxson Dart and receiver Jonathan Mingo. Dart handed for 448 yards, together with a school-record 247 to Mingo.

Auburn, in the meantime, was getting abused 42-10 by No. 1 Georgia every week after blowing a 17-0 lead towards LSU. It has elevated the rumblings about Harsin’s job safety halfway by his second season. Upsetting a high 10 crew favored by two touchdowns couldn’t damage.

Kiffin isn’t about to proclaim himself an professional at dealing with life on the new seat, presently occupied by Harsin. His personal expertise in that regard at USC in 2013 ended with a late-night airport firing 5 video games into the season.

“I didn’t do excellent,” Kiffin mentioned. “I received fired after 5 video games, so I’m most likely not the one to ask how to do this. I imply, I used to be 3-2. I’m most likely not the one to ask that.”

Whereas freshman Quinshon Judkins and Zach Evans have powered the Ole Miss operating sport, Auburn’s preseason All-SEC tailback Tank Bigsby hasn’t been capable of get going. Bigsby has simply 198 speeding yards during the last 5 video games, averaging 3.14 yards per carry throughout that span.

He gained 147 within the opener towards Mercer and simply 19 on 10 rushes towards Georgia.

Two Auburn transfers are enjoying key roles on the Ole Miss protection. Defensive deal with J.J. Pegues is beginning on the road and has 10 tackles, together with a sack. Tennison has 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries within the secondary.

They’re going through their former teammates nevertheless it’s clear the place their loyalty now lies.

“I nonetheless love them,” Pegues mentioned of his former teammates. “They’re my mates. However on the finish of the day we’re enjoying them in order that they’re my enemy till the tip of the sport.”

Auburn has gained the final six conferences, together with a 31-20 victory final season. However Harsin thinks the Rebels have improved.

“They’re on a roll proper now, they’ve momentum, and I feel that impacts the entire crew,” Harsin mentioned. “Their offense, we all know they’ll do effectively on that facet of the ball and they’ll have plenty of firepower over there. Defensively, they’re very, excellent.”

Robby Ashford has been an erratic passer with a mix of huge performs and errors, however Ole Miss is cautious of his operating potential. Ashford has accomplished simply 48% of his passes with 4 touchdowns towards three interceptions. He’s additionally Auburn’s second-leading rusher with 274 yards.

“He’s an elite scrambler,” Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin mentioned. “You’ve received to remain within the rush lanes and deal with the man.”

Former Auburn starter T.J. Finley has missed the final three video games with a sprained proper shoulder however Harsin continues to explain him as “daily” and says he’s making progress.

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