Gameday 1 is here for Ole Miss as they look to embark on their journey to the college football playoffs. Before they get into the meat of the fixtures, they play four non-conference teams that they are expected to win. First up is the Furman Paladins, who made it to the FCS quarter-finals last season.
How will the game play out Ole Miss?
Ole Miss are expected to win this game comftably, but they must not look past the opposition. Lane Kiffin won't let that happen, and will have the team primed and ready like they were playing a playoff game.
Kiffin has mentioned that they are suffering from some injuries at wide receiver, with Jordan Watkins and Antwane Wells questionable. We will find out closer to the game if they are available to play, but Kiffin may not risk them if there are any doubts, especially with the talent in the room. Ayden Williams, Cayden Lee, and Micah Davis can step up alongside Tre Harris.
The running back room is where this game will help decide if it's a close win or an empathic one. No disrespect to the Paladins, but Ole Miss will win the game. If the run game is effective in bringing the linebackers down into the box, it will open up explosive passing plays. The Furman secondary has lost nearly all its starters, so the Rebels will look to take advantage of that.
The defense will look to build its in-game relationship with plenty of new faces amongst the starters. We will see how much, if any, part of the game linebacker Chris Paul and edge Princely Umanmielen will play, with both questionable. Like the wide receivers, the Rebels are strong in that area for players to step in.
If Ole Miss plays at a high tempo, they should run up the score quickly, giving opportunities for backups to get a run. However, there are low expectations of thunderstorms in the evening in Oxford, so there could be the potential for a game delay. If there are any stoppages, it could affect the rhythm of the Ole Miss team.
Ole Miss vs. Furman odds, spread and total
Moneyline via draftkings
- Ole Miss N/A
- Furman N/A
Spread
- Ole Miss -42 (-110)
- Furman +42 (-110)
Total
- 60.5 (over -110/under -110)