Why Vanderbilt's QB decision could have big impact on Ole Miss' struggling defense

OXFORD — Ole Miss football coach Pete Golding and the Rebels' struggling defense have to bring two very different plans to their game against Vanderbilt, depending on who the Commodores' quarterback is.

Golding thinks Ole Miss will use plans for five-star starter Jared Curtis and backup Blaze Berlowitz.

"We've got to work on both of them all week," Golding said. "I think we'll see both of them in the game, no doubt. Probably see them both in the game at the same time, too."

No. 11 Ole Miss (3-1, 1-1 SEC) will face Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-2 SEC) at FirstBank Stadium on Oct. 10 (2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN). The Commodores' quarterback situation is still up in the air. Berlowitz played last week in the loss to No. 2 Georgia with Curtis recovering from an unspecified injury.

"(Curtis) was able to practice today, and from my vantage point, was able to do so without much limitation," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said Oct. 6. "I think we're still day-to-day, and so he'll still be part of our injury report as we move through the week. But I'm encouraged by progress."

The Ole Miss defense has been vulnerable in 2026. The Rebels have allowed 30.75 points per game, which is last out of 16 teams in the SEC and No. 118 in the NCAA.

The biggest issue has been rushing defense. Ole Miss is No. 9 in passing defense in the SEC, but last in rushing defense (195 yards per game). That is No. 127 nationally. Even Arkansas, the second-to last team in the SEC, is much better against the rush (149 yards per game).

Would Ole Miss rather face Jared Curtis or Blaze Berlowitz?

Berlowitz, a senior from Cushing, Oklahoma, was unexpectedly named Vanderbilt's Week 1 starter over Curtis, a five-star freshman. Berlowitz (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) began his career at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024.

Curtis, a Nashville native, was the No. 4 overall prospect nationally and the No. 2 quarterback in 247Sports’ Composite rankings for the 2026 recruiting class. Curtis (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) took the starting job in Week 3 and was injured in Week 4 vs Auburn.

How does the offense change when Curtis and Berlowitz swap roles?

"It's almost like two different offenses," Golding said. "Obviously Curtis is super-talented. Big body, really live arm. I think he does a good job at his age of taking what people give him. Takeaway free access, he's got a really quick release. From a scramble standpoint once you get those feet moving it's kind of scary as well when he moves the pocket. Throws really well on the run."

Berlowitz uses rushing as a big part of his game. Vanderbilt turns into a primarily power running team when he's on the field. Look for guards to pull in the rushing game, which is a "G-lead"

"Feels much more option generated," Golding said. "Numbers, grass. They do a really good job formationally. Very similar to Florida of multiple personnel groupings, shifts and motions, to be able to run the football. Their bread and butter is the G-lead on offense. They aren't hiding it. They are going to find multiple ways to get to it."

Although the offense under Berlowitz is a run-heavy one that would play into Ole Miss' weakness, Curtis is the bigger threat because he is a more complete player.

Golding said Vanderbilt has some staple plays that both quarterbacks and do, including designed quarterback runs. At least with Berlowitz in, Ole Miss can stack more players in the box and bolster run support. With Curtis in, Ole Miss will need to line up in a way that gives more respect to the potential for passing plays.

Jared Curtis stats

In four games, Curtis is 63-for-98 for 746 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. He has 41 rushes for 133 yards and two touchdowns.

His best game was in Week 3 against NC State, which was the first game he was named the starter. Curtis was 20-for-34 for 277 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the 35-31 win.

Blaze Berlowitz stats

In three games, Berlowitz is 26-for-48 passing for 368 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He has 21 rushes for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why Vanderbilt's QB decision could have big impact on Ole Miss' struggling defense