On Saturday evening, the Vanderbilt Commodores will travel to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to take on the 12th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels in an SEC matchup. This season, the Commodores are 2-8 (0-6) and are riding a five-game losing streak after losing 34-17 at home against the Kentucky Wildcats. Sophomore quarterback Ken Seals went 12-of-17 for 87 yards with an interception. So far, the Rebels are 8-2 (4-2) and are riding a two-game winning streak after defeating the 11th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies 29-19 at home. Junior quarterback Matt Corral is 24-of-37 for 247 yards with a touchdown.
Vanderbilt Commodores Preview: PS, Still Running
Freshman running back Patrick Smith has been doing very well this season on the ground as he has 74 rushing attempts for 325 yards (4.4 yards per carry) with a rushing touchdown and 16 receptions for 84 yards (5.3 yards per catch). In his last game against the Wildcats, Smith finished with 18 rushes for 84 yards (4.7 yards per attempt) and three catches for nine yards (three yards per reception).
The Vanderbilt Commodores have been struggling brutally on the defensive side of the ball as they are giving up 35.4 points per game. In their previous game against the Kentucky Wildcats, Vanderbilt allowed 34 points on 413 yards (177 passing, 236 rushings). The Wildcats went 3-of-9 on third down attempts and 1-of-2 on fourth down attempts. Vanderbilt needed to stop the opposing running attack as Kentucky averaged 6.6 yards per rushing attempt.
Ole Miss Rebels Preview: Lead Drummond
Senior wide receiver Dontario Drummond has been playing exceptionally well this year. He has recorded 46 catches for 707 yards (15.4 yards per reception) with seven receiving touchdowns and three rushing attempts for 24 yards (eight yards per carry) with a rushing touchdown as well. In his last game against the Aggies, Drummond finished with six receptions for 49 yards (8.2 yards per catch) with a receiving touchdown.
This season, the Ole Miss Rebels have been a mediocre defensive program as they are allowing 26.2 points per game. In their previous game against the Texas A&M Aggies, Ole Miss gave up 378 total yards of offense (237 passing, 141 rushings). The Rebels did a great job as the Aggies were 4-of-14 on third down and failed to convert their only fourth-down attempt. Ole Miss forced a pair of turnovers (both interceptions), so they were controlling the game.
Who to Bet on Commodores at Rebels
The top sportsbooks in the entire country have this game listed as the Ole Miss Rebels favored over five possessions. Vanderbilt is allowing 36.8 points in their previous five games, and Ken Seals is not playing well this season, while Matt Corral has been playing exceptionally well without turning the football over. Ole Miss has a solid running attack as well, while Vanderbilt does not have it. The home team has covered in four of the previous five games against one another. All in all, go with the Ole Miss Rebels to cover a massive spread here.