How much will Ole Miss football win by over The Citadel? Our prediction
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OXFORD — High expectations have been set for Ole Miss football in a Week 11 matchup against The Citadel.
Tight end Dae’Quan Wright said he wants to prove the Bulldogs (4-5) don’t belong on the same field as the No. 7 Rebels (8-1 SEC).
The statistics indicate Wright is correct. The Rebels are firmly in the College Football Playoff picture. The Citadel, a military college in Charleston, South Carolina, is 3-3 in the Southern Conference.
Here’s what to know about the matchup between Ole Miss and The Citadel.
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Ole Miss vs Citadel prediction
The Rebels should have no problem beating the Bulldogs.
Trinidad Chambliss is coming off his worst statistical game since starting for the Rebels in Week 3. He threw for 159 yards on 12-for-21 passing against South Carolina on Nov. 1.
Chambliss may not need to sling the ball for all four quarters. The Citadel has allowed 25.4 points per game. Because The Citadel’s offense has only averaged 22.9 points, Ole Miss should be ahead early.
Look for running back Kewan Lacy to put the game away. The Ole Miss running back rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown against South Carolina, while being the focal point of belt celebrations in the stands.
Ole Miss vs Citadel scouting report
Why Ole Miss has an advantage: Ole Miss will be able to hone in on The Citadel’s rushing game.
The Bulldogs average only 113 passing yards per game. They average 225 rushing yards per game.
The run-first offense means the Bulldogs will be in a difficult spot if Ole Miss can jump out ahead early and force The Citadel to throw and play catchup.
The Citadel has two quarterbacks: Quentin Hayes and Cobey Thompkins. Both players have more rushing attempts and passing attempts.
Why The Citadel has an advantage: Ole Miss should dominate all aspects. Perhaps something intangible could bog the Rebels down.
Ole Miss played poorly in its home game against Washington State on Oct. 11. The Rebels have also gotten off to slow starts in 11 a.m. games.
Ole Miss vs Citadel injury updates
Ole Miss is remarkably healthy. Only cornerback Antonio Kite popped up on the availability report for Ole Miss against South Carolina.
Because it’s not an SEC game, an availability report will not be released.
Lane Kiffin to LSU, Florida coaching search rumors
There are a few fanbases with special interest in how Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s program finishes the season.
Kiffin has been linked to coaching openings at LSU and Florida. He has tried to steer his team clear of the distractions by taking it as a compliment to his players
According to Nick Saban, the factors that make up an elite job in college coaching have changed.
Ole Miss vs Citadel score prediction
Ole Miss 51, The Citadel 13: Look for Ole Miss football interior defensive linemen Zxavian Harris and Will Echoles to wreak havoc in the backfield
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: Ole Miss vs Citadel predictions, why Rebels will beat Bulldogs
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