The college football showdown between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Florida Gators is set for November 23, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, and it’s shaping up to be a key game. Ole Miss is aiming to boost its standing in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, while Florida is fighting for a spot in the bowl games. This matchup is super important for both teams.
Latest Rankings and Context
Ole Miss is rocking an 8-2 record right now, and they just snagged a big win against Georgia, taking it 28-10. This victory has really pumped up their confidence and solidified their reputation as one of the best offenses in the country, averaging 40.7 points per game, which puts them fourth in college football.
Florida, on the other hand, is sitting at 5-5 and really needs to snag a win in this game to keep their bowl game dreams alive, especially after pulling off a surprising upset against LSU last week with a score of 27-16.
Team Analysis
Ole Miss Rebels
Offensive Strengths:
Jaxson Dart, the quarterback for Ole Miss, has really shined this season. He’s thrown for more than 3,400 yards, racking up 22 touchdowns while keeping his interceptions to just four. With a completion rate of about 71%, he’s proving to be super-efficient and knows how to handle the pressure.
The Rebels’ offense is famous for its big plays and adaptability, coming in second in the nation for total yards per game, averaging 538.3 yards.
Defensive Capabilities:
Ole Miss’s defense has been impressive, giving up only about 20 points a game. Their ability to shut down strong offenses will be key when they face Florida’s rising attack, spearheaded by freshman quarterback DJ Lagway.
Florida Gators
Offensive Dynamics:
Florida’s offense is looking more alive now that DJ Lagway is back in action. He really stood out in the recent game against LSU, throwing for 226 yards and playing a key role in their win. With his ability to run and pass, Lagway is definitely a player to keep an eye on.
The Gators put up an average of 26.4 points each game, but they’ve had some tough moments against stronger defenses, so their game against Ole Miss is going to be a big challenge.
Defensive Challenges:
The Florida defense has had its ups and downs this season, sitting at 101st in the nation for yards allowed per game, giving up around 400.4 yards. To keep Ole Miss’s strong offense in check, they really need to step up their coverage and work on their tackling.
Key Players to Watch
For Ole Miss:
Jaxson Dart (QB): His ability to pass the ball well and making fast choices will be crucial.
Ulysses Bentley IV (RB): His performance is a crucial part of the running game and can really set the tempo for how the game flows.
For Florida:
DJ Lagway (QB): As he keeps growing, being able to extend plays will be super important for him.
Ja’Kobi Jackson (RB): Anticipated to take on a bigger role in the running game, particularly during short yardage plays.
Betting Odds
Right now, the betting odds have Ole Miss favored by about 10.5 points, and the over/under is at 55.5 points. Considering Ole Miss’s strong offense and Florida’s shaky defense, a lot of analysts think the Rebels will manage to cover the spread.
Considering how both teams have been playing lately and their overall skills, I think Ole Miss is going to come out on top.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Ole Miss 30 – Florida 20
This score shows how strong Ole Miss’s offense is, but it also gives a nod to Florida’s chance to stay in the game, especially if Lagway can keep up his recent good form. The result will depend on whether Florida can find a good mix in their offense and manage to hold back Ole Miss’s explosive plays.