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After witnessing the carnage that took place in Knoxville, it’s time to call this season what it is: A great big stinker. 

A season where an SEC team loses to an FCS team, Vanderbilt, and a formerly 0-for-SEC Tennessee is one giant turd of a season. Am I being crass? Yes. But so is watching that team that was on the field Saturday. There is absolutely no excuse for the product that was on that field. It was embarrassing. It was humiliating. And I can’t put a happy face on it. Here is my list of everything that sucks about this football teams right now:

1. Play calling. Houston, why do you continue to make a game plan around an aerial attack that isn’t going to happen? The offensive line is fragmented. Your receivers can’t catch when it counts. And the one good thing you do have – Brandon Bolden – you give 12 carries. Twelve stinking carries! Ole Miss would be far better off to run three times and punt than to continue to try to run the elaborate air show you keep trying to field. Look at Mississippi State for crying out loud! They are 7-3 in large part because they play mistake free football. Ole Miss has a great running back and a fast quarterback. Run the stinking ball and quit giving away points. I see two possibilities: Either the offense is not well coached or you don’t have the players to fit your scheme. I’ve got a word for you: Adjustment. Learn to make one.

2. Motivated Players. A coach has two basic jobs when it comes to preparing a team to win: Planning and Motivating. The team that played on Saturday was not motivated. They gave up after the first 80-yard touchdown in the opening minute of the game. They gave up on the game. They gave up on the season. And so have I.

3. Defense in general. Every SEC offense that has faced Ole Miss this season has a player have a “break out” performance. I expected no less this week, and that’s exactly what I got. Tyler Bray will be the SEC Freshman of the Week, no doubt. The Rebels are that team now. The one that offensive coordinators lick their chops at and count the different ways they are going to destroy. 

4. Secondary. What secondary?

The fact is this team is bad. On both sides of the ball. It should not have been this way this year. There are problems out there. Big problems. I wish I could say, “Wait til next year,” but I’m worried about the future. Very, very worried. The youth excuse is of little comfort. 

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My apologies Ole Miss fans, but this blogger is quickly losing interest in the 2010 Rebel football season. It’s going to take a win this weekend to wake me back up. As you’ll see below I’m not optimistic. Luckily for the Rebels, I’m wrong a lot. For example, last week I was wrong. That’s why Ken won and he’s leading off. Here we go:

FLORIDA(-6.5) vs South Carolina

Ken Says: Who would have thought it was possible for South Carolina to stumble away their first shot at a conference championship since 1969…  and that was an ACC championship, and also the only one in school history.  I am starting to think that South Carolina is cursed much like the Chicago Cubs. This game is a one game SEC East Championship game.  Win and you are in.  I am going against the majority and picking Spurrier to make Gamecock football history and do it by winning in the Swamp against his former team and alma mater.  South Carolina is going to have to move the ball with Jeffrey and Lattimore and Garcia is gonna have to play errorless football.

South Carolina 24  Florida 20

Jake Says: I don’t know what to think about South Carolina anymore. They looked like world beaters against Alabama, proving that Spurrier is capable of getting his team up. If ever there was a reason to get the Gamecocks amped it’s here, with a chance to beat Spurrier’s old school in the swamp for the SEC East title. I guess I gotta take the Gamecocks. But I don’t like it. Mostly because I think they’ll probably blow it somehow.

South Carolina 31 Florida 28

AUBURN (-7.5) Georgia

Ken Says: Turmoil on the plains.  I can’t think of any other time in modern college football history where a team had this many distractions going into the most important two games in school history.  If I were an Auburn fan, student or alumn, I would feel jilted.  They have gotten screwed out of a magical season.  Everyone cheats but never has there been a case this high profile.  Remove Cam Newton and this Auburn team is probably .500 or worse.  Essentially this one recruit has single handily delivered a National Campionship and Heisman worthy caliber type season.  People were actually arguing  that Cam Newton might be the greatest player to ever wear the Blue and Orange. Remember another guy named Bo Jackson?  I still think Newton will deliver and Auburn will clinch the West.  At this point all they need to do is win win win win win, no matter what.  And just brace themselves for it all to get taken away.

Auburn 35  Georgia 24

Jake Says: I’m ashamed of how many times I’ve googled the word “Newton” this week. I think he’s going to sit. Auburn risks too much by continuing to play him with so many witnesses of his and Cecil’s malfeasance on the record. And yes, it will affect the team.

Georgia 28 Auburn 0

ALABAMA (-13) vs. Mississippi State

Ken Says: I believe I read somewhere that Mississippi States opponents that they have defeated have a combined record that is sub .500.  There two losses are to teams that are 18 and 1.  This Alabama team is still good.  I think the MSU train is coming to a screeching halt this week.  Alabama rolls.

Alabama 31  Mississippi State 10

Jake Says: Call me crazy. I’m picking the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State 17 Alabama 14

KENTUCKY (-14.5) vs Vanderbilt

Ken Says: Kentucky should not have any trouble and Derrick Locke is returning.  Vandy is a bad football team.  Maybe Ole Miss should start to play Vandy at the end of the season.  We always get their best game before their depth takes a toll on their team.  I can’t believe I am actually wanting to move the Vandy series to November so we stand a chance.

Kentucky 38  Vanderbilt 7

Jake Says: Wildcats!

Kentucky 49 Vanderbilt 0

LSU (-33.5) vs La Monroe

Ken Says: LSU overlooks La. Mon for Ole Miss

LSU 30  La Monroe 3

Jake Says: This one will be close. I’m serious.

LSU 17 La Monroe 14

ARKANSAS (-29) vs Utep

Ken Says: Arkansas is quietly sitting back and watching the other teams to see how their season plays out.  THis game will be a scrimmage but their final two vs. MSU and LSU will be huge. Arkansas could actually win out and play for the Sugar Bowl if Auburn goes to the BCS Title Game.

Arkansas 48  Utep  20

Jake Says: Hogs! If the Hogs keep winning it makes a really nice opponent for LSU to beat at the end of the year and send the incredible Lester “Cud” Miles back to the BCS Championship. I’m serious. With Newton out (I’m calling it) LSU marches in with a win over a surging Arkansas. The computer polls with love it.

Arkansas 52 UTEP 0

TENNESSEE (-2.5) vs. Ole Miss

Ken Says: This game scares the hell outta me.  Masoli will probably play, but Dooley knows it.  He even said it early in the week during his press conference.  This UT team is down but not out.  A victory over Ole Miss, then Vandy and UK, and the Vols are going bowling.  What a feat that would be for first year coach Dooley.  Their crowd and team will be hungry and we will be in a dogfight.  I think this could be one of those games Rebel fans have seen time and time again.  The kind where about 5 no names have career days and one wins freshman player of the week.  Not so fast my friend.  Ole Miss has more talent and will play our most complete game of the season and defeat a tough and scrappy Tennessee team.  They Remembuh Novembuh.

Ole Miss  31  UT  21

Jake Says: I’m waiting to see what unknown UT player busts an 80-yard run on the Ole Miss defense and becomes SEC offensive player of the week.

UT 28 Ole Miss 21

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Thank goodness for Alabama-LSU. The rest of this week’s SEC games are a snore. Forgive me, but I just can’t get excited about watching Arkansas and South Carolina duke it out for third place in the conference. What to watch for: Ole Miss on SportsCenter Saturday night. If that happens, it’s been another really bad day. For those of you keeping score, Jake leads Ken 2-1 after Jake stayed out of Ken’s fantasy world and picked Auburn to beat the Rebels last week.

Louisiana-Lafayette at Ole Miss

Jake Says:  Ole Miss 42, Louisiana-Lafayette 24.

The Rebels will finally meet an opponent they can outscore.

Ken Says:  Ole Miss 52   Oooh La La  17

Ole Miss just needs to right the ship and get back on the patented Nutt November course.  This is the game to do it.

Alabama at LSU

Jake Says: Alabama 21, LSU 14

This will be fun to watch, but the outcome will never be in question. The most fun will be had listening to Les Miles attempt to speak in complete sentences during his pregame, halftime and post-game interviews.

Ken Says:  Alabama 17  LSU 10

LSU’s defense will keep this one close by shutting down, or slowing down, Bama rush attack.  I think LSU will get points off of good field position from turnovers or special teams play but it won’t be enough.  LSU will have the “want to” win the ball game but there at the end, the plays, and what they thought was happening, mostly, the right personnel and plays were designed to want to win but obviously you can’t clock it, needed to score the TD or kick the FG, whichever had the best opportunity to happen.

Arkansas at South Carolina

Jake Says: South Carolina 24, Arkansas 21.

Arkansas will be slowed by the loss of Childs.

Ken says:  Arkansas 27 South Carolina 21

South Carolina continues its trend of choking in important ball games.  They can still lose and win the East.  Which is why they will.

Florida at Vanderbilt

Jake Says: Florida 42, Vanderbilt 0.

The Commies will redefine ineptitude making Ole Miss’ September loss burn even hotter.

Ken Says:  Florida 37  Vandy 3

I agree Jake.  Regardless of how Ole Miss’s season plays out in the next 4 games, that game will be the difference in us not going to a bowl or possibly would have gotten us a much better bowl.  I think even Vandy will fire this coach.  One and Done.

Tennessee at Memphis

Jake Says: Tennessee 48, Memphis 0

(Yawn)

Ken Says:  Tennessee 35  Memphis 14

(Sigh)

Chattanooga at Auburn

Jake Says: Auburn 42, Chattanooga 0

Will Cam play?

Ken Says:  Auburn 58  Mocs 10

Conspiracy theory:  State breaks the news about Cam Newtons illegal recruitment the week AFTER Auburn plays the biggest home game at Ole Miss in 7 years.  We could have used the distraction.

Idaho State at Georgia

Jake Says: Georgia 42, Idaho State 0

(Yawn, stretch, yawn again)

Ken Says:  Georgia 48  Potatoes 7

(Scratch scratch, sneeze)

Charleston Southern at Kentucky

Jake Says: Kentucky 42, Charleston Southern 0

(Yawn, stretch, yawn, weird burping sound)

Ken Says:  Kentucky 37  Charles 14

(crack nuckles, pop neck, stretch, poot)

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The Ole Miss defense has been a colossal disappointment this season. Of the five losses to date, each was accompanied by defensive fails of epic proportions – for the most part busted assignments and/or  missed tackles run for at least 20 yards (many were much further) for a score. All of them have been game changers that could not be overcome by a pretty good offense.

The most frustrating thing about these seemingly tremendous offensive feats is that they are being accomplished by a collective group of nobodies. The truth is, these offensive performances aren’t the result of incredible talent, genius coaching, or even amazing speed. These are the result of a very suspect and disappointing Ole Miss defense. The unit that was to be the “strength” of the Rebels this year, is currently ranked 81st in the nation in total defense, giving up 395 yards per game.

It’s time to call this defense what it is – a disaster.

Are you a college football player hidden in obscurity? Need a chance to showcase your talent? Want to be a star for just one day? Well call up Pete Boone and schedule a game against this Rebel defense. They’ve been creating stars all year:

1. Vanderbilt: Duck hunter/interim head coach Robbie Caldwell had his shining moment against Ole Miss. The Commodores had what looked like a dynamic offensive attack on that day, gashing the Rebels for several long touchdown runs. Since then, the Commodores have been so pathetic moving the ball they switched offensive play callers mid-season.

2. Jacksonville State: That quarterback who managed to convert the 4th down for a touchdown and shock Ole Miss in the opener…what was his name? You’ve forgotten? That’s because his shining moment came in early September. After a week of giving interviews on every sports talk show in the country he’s back to FCS Division nobody-cares status now.

3. Arkansas: Before facing Ole Miss Razorback runner Knile Davis was averaging seven carries a game. He was a side show on Petrino and Mallett’s high-powered offense. Against the Rebels he took center stage, busting runs off tackle as though the Rebels were playing with nine men instead of eleven and carrying the ball 22 times for 176 stars. He’ll probably never be heard from again. I hope you enjoyed your moment Knile.

4. Auburn: Nobody in the country new Auburn had tailbacks before this game. I know I didn’t. Yet there were Onterio McCallebb and Mike Dyer running around the area where the linebacker or defensive end is usually found (Ole Miss is currently trying to locate these players). The duo racked up 279 yards on the night. Expect to hear nothing from either of these guys the rest of the year.

5. Alabama: Okay, Trent Richardson was already a star, but his 85-yard touchdown on a screen pass, a screen pass for goodness sakes, must be mentioned in order to round out the string of losses and accompanying defensive busts.

So, there it is. Now, pretend you’re Houston Nutt and/or Pete Boone six months removed from begging defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix not to leave for Georgia or Florida and tell me what you’re going to do about it.

DO YOU MISS ME? I may not update the blog every day, but I do update the Facebook Page every day. If you can’t get enough Jake’s Ole Miss Blog, be sure to stop by the Facebook page and click the “like” button at the top of the screen.

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Content provided by The Ole Miss Blog – It’s not the official Ole Miss blog, but it should be.

In the third installment of Jake v. Ken, we find ourselves at even. Ken Edwards won the first week. I took last week, besting Ken with my predictions of Georgia over Kentucky and Arkansas over Ole Miss. This week will be a pseudo tie-breaker. Fittingly, it all comes down to the outcome of Ole Miss-Auburn. Let’s get started.

Auburn at Ole Miss

Jake says: Auburn 38, Ole Miss 28.

Even in a down season, this game is one of the biggest to ever happen within the confines of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. It’s not everyday a BCS No. 1 visits your house. Especially a No. 1 with a player the caliber of Cameron Newton. The giant quarterback’s moves are quickly becoming legend. If Nutt & Company can stop Newton and beat the Tigers, it would be a phenomenal win that we’ll all treasure for years to come. That said, I don’t think it will happen. Ole Miss is improving, but I just don’t trust them to hit on all cylinders, which is what it’s going to take to beat the Tigers. I simply can’t fathom the Ole Miss defense stopping Auburn’s run game on every down. Nobody else has. Eventually, Newton will break a run. Or five. Before you call me negative-Jake, tell me, what have the Rebels done this year to make you believe they can stop Newton on every down? The offensive line is also very worrisome. Masoli is great, but he can’t win the game by himself. He needs help. To get it, his offensive line must control the line of scrimmage. This group is just too young and hurt to get it done.

Ken says: Ole Miss 35, Auburn 31

Yell Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

There is gonna be some very strange creatures in Vaught Hemingway this Saturday.  The crowd is gonna be amped in one of the biggest games in Oxford in nearly 7 years.  The magic of Halloween will make this one to remember.  Auburn has been living on the edge all season and if history shows us anything, they are due for a stumble.  Why not us?  Masoli will validate the great transfer debacle with a monster game and Summers, Harris and Logan will be the difference as Ole Miss wins the game by converting first downs through the air and with Masoli’s feet.  Bolden and Scott will run wild with the passing game working.   The Grove will be rocking and goblins and ghouls will be hoisting the goalposts down the Walk of Champions.

Tennessee at South Carolina

Jake says: South Carolina 48, Tennessee 0.

Tennessee is packing it in until next season.

Ken says:  South Carolina 34, Tennessee 10

I agree that this team is embarrassed and they just don’t have the fight in them anymore and I can see this season hinging on them “just not losing to Vandy.”  I am glad Ole Miss drew them in Neyland this year as opposed to in years past.

Florida at Georgia

Jake says: Georgia 34, Florida 10.

Florida’s offense is terrible. Georgia’s is starting to look upper-echelon.

Ken says: Georgia 27, Florida 17

At the beginning of the year, all of us would agree this would be a huge win for either team. But I don’t think we would have thought it would be a MUST win.  I think Florida still has at least some pride in their tank to keep fighting but I agree, Georgia is on a hot streak and Florida is ironically heading in the opposite direction.  I actually think this will be a dogfight compared to the last couple of games.

Vanderbilt at Arkansas

Jake says: Arkansas 21, Vanderbilt 14.

The Razorbacks are good, but their stars are nicked up. This one may be close.

Ken says:  Arkansas 35 Vanderbilt 10

Remember how awesome Vanderbilt was 6 weeks ago.  They were 1-0 in the SEC.  The more this season goes along our Vanderbilt game will keep haunting us.  Arkansas wins this one easy.

Kentucky at Mississippi State

Jake says: Kentucky 24, Mississippi State 17.

Things have been going well for State and its ground attack lately. Too well. I’m taking the Wildcats in an upset.

Ken says:  Kentucky 27 Mississippi State 21

Dangit Jake.  This is a huge game for State.  They could feasibly get on a 3 or 4 game losing skid to end their magical season if they don’t win this one at home.  I think Randall Cobb will be the difference in this game.  State has to be the most confusing 6-2 team to me.  I still can’t tell how good they really are.  They are no doubt the most improved team in the SEC but we will learn a lot about them this weekend.  I think this one will be a classic.

Friday Pick “em: Be sure to drop by the Facebook page and enter the Pick ‘Em Contest. This week we’re picking the final scores of Ole Miss – Auburn and Georgia – Florida.

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It seems Ole Miss is the trendy upset pick of the week. As I noted yesterday, there are reasons to hope for a victory this weekend, and don’t get me wrong, if Ole Miss hits on all cylinders (offensive line blocks, Bolden hits the holes, wide receivers catch, safeties and linebackers keep their assignments and don’t miss tacklets, no turnovers, etc., etc.) , the Rebels can beat current BCS No. 1 Auburn, but there are some sobering reasons to just take the seven point favorite in this one.

A ranked Auburn has never lost to Ole Miss. The Tigers are 13-0 against Ole Miss when ranked and they lead the series 8-2 when playing in Oxford.

Auburn is the only SEC team that has not lost on the road this season.

Auburn leads the SEC in scoring offense. Ole Miss is dead last in the SEC in scoring defense.

Auburn leads the conference in passing efficiency. Ole Miss is last in the SEC in passing-efficiency defense.

Auburn has outscored its opponents by 48 points in the fourth quarter, the largest margin in the final period in the SEC this season. Ole Miss has been outscored by 33 points in the fourth quarter, the largest deficit in the final period in the SEC.

Ole Miss is the only team in the nation that has given up eight punt returns of at least 20 yards. Auburn hasn’t given up any.

Auburn is one of four teams in the nation that has not given up a run of at least 30 yards this season. Ole Miss gives up at least one run of that length in just about every game.

You see where I’m going. Make no mistake. There are good reasons for Ole Miss to be the underdog in this one.

If those aren’t enough to sober you up, here are a couple more:

Since 1933, Auburn has started five previous seasons (1957, 1971, 1993, 1994 and 2004) at 8-0 and each time the Tigers won their ninth game.

Auburn’s 440 rushing yards against LSU last week were its most ever against an SEC opponent and the most LSU had ever given up in a game.

At least tomorrow is Friday, right?

Content provided by The Ole Miss Blog – It’s not the official Ole Miss blog, but it should be.

Content provided by The Ole Miss Blog – It’s not the official Ole Miss blog, but it should be.

It’s easy to get down on Ole Miss following two straight SEC losses and a 3-4 record, but there is a light shining ever-so-dimly from the general vicinity of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Can you see it? No? It’s the light of hope. The light of optimism. The light of that promising big win that could catapult the Rebels back into bowl eligibility. Still can’t see it? As the Rebels brace themselves for the larger than life Cameron Newton and his BCS No. 1 Auburn Tigers, I can understand many of you may not be able to see it. As the unofficial Ole Miss Blogger, I consider it my duty to show you. Come. Step into the light.

First, take a look at Auburn’s schedule in 2010. Yes, they are undefeated. But look closer. The Tigers beat Mississippi State by a field goal. Needed overtime to take down an average Clemson, beat a self-destructive South Carolina by a touchdown, beat Kentucky by a field goal, and beat LSU and it’s anemic offense by a mere seven points. Yes, there is the 65 points, the Tigers posted on Arkansas, but in light of the entire schedule, you really should view that wild score as an anomaly. Setting that game aside, yes, Newton has incredible stats and is a marvelous talent, but this schedule is a series of narrow escapes and close calls. Eventually somebody is going to catch this Tiger’s tail. It might as well be Ole Miss.

Second, Jeremiah Masoli ignited against Arkansas last week. Playing behind an offensive line that was getting whipped, Masoli was still incredible. He is obviously in sync with his receivers now and has mastered the offense. Markeith Summers came back from I don’t know where. Melvin Harris and Logan are legitimate ball catchers. If the offensive front can hold a block for the rushing game, which was nonexistent against the Hogs, then there’s a chance Ole Miss could outscore an opponent again this year. It might as well be Auburn.

Third, the Ole Miss defense and special teams might have a game where they don’t give up the big play. Look, the defense has been a disappointment this year. I know. But in each of the losses, the game has come down to a big play or two from either a missed assignment or a flat out missed tackle. If the Rebels finally put a game together where they don’t give up “the big play” you’re actually looking at a pretty stout defense. At some point this season, the defense will put a complete game together.

It might as well be this weekend.

EXALTATION: Brett Holloway won last week’s Pick ‘Em Contest. Holloway is one of the foremost sports bloggers of his time, meaning he has something intelligent to say at least once a week. Despite blogging about Mississippi State, Holloway still manages to have a positive outlook on life and knows how to match his clothes. You can now add college football picking phenom to that list of talents. Way to go, Brett.

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The soft spot for an otherwise potent Arkansas team is its rushing defense. The Hogs allowed Alabama to rush for 227 yards in that late September showdown. Auburn gained 330 yards in last Saturday’s track meet. Granted, 188 of those came from Cameron Newton, but there’s no reason to think Brandon Bolden shouldn’t be able to get similar results against the Hogs defense. The key is going to be with the young Ole Miss offensive line. The unit has been a patch job all season and will be again this week with center A.J. Hawkins expected to replace the injured Logan Clair at right guard while Evan Swindall, who subbed for an injured Hawkins last week, remains at center. This young group of linemen fought their hearts out against a ferocious Alabama defense last week. The same effort and better results will be needed to beat Arkansas. Can they come together and get a push on the Hogs? If they can, the Rebels have a chance to win this one.

A little of this wouldn’t hurt: