Ole Miss Rebels vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Final odds and predictions

Ole Miss looks to go 2-0 on the season, and they will expect that against Middle Tennessee of Conference-USA. The Blue Raiders are also coming into this game 1-0 after a late go-ahead touchdown, which gave them victory over Tennessee Tech.

How will the game play out Ole Miss?

We heard from Lane Kiffin that he would like to establish the run and see more of the running backs: Ulysses Bentley IV, Matt Jones, and Henry Parrish Jr. The Blue Raiders defense allowed opposing running backs 4.7 yards a carry in Week 1, so they will be licking their chops at putting up good numbers on the ground.

The Rebels look to have Antwane Wells out this week but should be back for Week 3. Jordan Watkins is still questionable for the game after missing the first game of the season. This might be another reason Kiffin wants to lean on the run while also getting them up to speed before the big games on the schedule.

The running back room did rush for over 200 yards during the Furman game, but only 26 rush attempts, 29 passing attempts for Jaxson Dart and Austin Simmons, and over 500 receiving yards.

The Middle Tennessee offense should give them more problems than Furman's, but it did struggle in Week 1. Blue Raiders quarterback Nicholas Vattiato averaged 6.0 yards per pass while completing 57% of his passes, finishing with 37.9 QBR. Running back Frank Pleasent is the danger that the Ole Miss defensive front needs to nullify. He had two touchdowns and averaged 4.9 yards per carry, but he was underused.

Ole Miss's level will have to increase, but even a below-par performance should get the job done. However, in a sport where margins are thin, an impressive win will be key for the Rebels to keep themselves in the top six of the AP Poll Top 25.

Ole Miss vs Middle Tennessee will be live on SEC Network at 3:15 PM CST.

Ole Miss vs. Middle Tennessee odds, spread and total

Moneyline via draftking

• Ole Miss N/A
• Furman N/A

Spread

• Ole Miss -43 (-112)
• Furman +43 (-108)

Total

• 63 (over -112/under -108