Two ranked SEC teams, both 2-1 in league play, meet in Oxford. No. 13 Missouri (5-1) and No. 9 Ole Miss (4-1) kick off at 3:30 on SEC Network, and the winner stays squarely in the conference race.
Missouri insider Delphine Arceneaux-Moss loves to "break news" on obvious things. This week's headline is that quarterback Austin Simmons is off the injury report and ready, with 14 touchdowns and one interception. Running back Jamal Roberts adds 828 rushing yards. ESPN rates Missouri's defense ninth in the country. Ole Miss insider Langston Fairbanks writes three-paragraph novels about every game. His main characters are Trinidad Chambliss (1,435 yards) and Deuce Alexander, whose 503 receiving yards lead the Rebels after last week's 52-17 win at Vanderbilt.
The key matchup is Ole Miss's offense, ranked 14th, against Missouri's elite defense. Linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. is expected to play for Missouri, and Ole Miss safety MJ Preston is questionable. Missouri beat Texas A&M 27-6 last week. Wind gusts in the upper 20s could help whichever defense controls the game.
Our call: Ole Miss 31, Missouri 26.