Five 'Season-Defining' Games For Ole Miss Rebels in 2023

What games will make or break the Rebels this fall?

It is well-documented that the Ole Miss Rebels' 2023 football schedule is among the most difficult in the country.

Road trips to Tuscaloosa, Auburn and Athens pave a difficult road for Ole Miss this season, not to mention a road trip to Starkville and home dates with other SEC West opponents. While games against Alabama and Georgia could prove to be "house money" opportunities for the Rebels, this list examines "season-defining" games for Lane Kiffin's team this season.

What does that mean, exactly?

In short, these are games that could be perceived as toss-ups, or games where a win or loss would drastically change the overall perception of the season in Oxford. While a win over the Crimson Tide or Georgia Bulldogs would certainly fall in that category, a loss to one or both of these programs on the road won't really change how fans view the season as a whole.

As usual, this is an exercise in opinion, so my list will likely be different from anyone else's. Still, here are the five games I have circled for Ole Miss this season.

1. Road game at Tulane Green Wave

Part of Ole Miss' difficult draw in this season's schedule is not limited to the SEC. Tulane is the reigning Cotton Bowl champion, having knocked off Heisman winner Caleb Williams in that thriller. Even though Tulane is certainly a strong Group of Five team, a loss on the road to the Green Wave would put a sour taste in the mouth of the fan base before the season hits its stride. Make no mistake: this is an important one.

2. Home game vs. LSU Tigers

Last season's Magnolia Bowl turned into a disaster for the Rebels, their first loss in a late-season collapse that soured the 2022 campaign. A home win over LSU would go a long way in ensuring that this season is viewed as a success, especially with how talented the Bayou Bengals promise to be.

3. Home game vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Another game in the midst of the Rebels' late-season collapse was a blowout loss at Arkansas. Some may blame this loss on the distraction surrounding Lane Kiffin's possible departure for the Auburn Tigers in the offseason, but regardless, this has become an important game for Ole Miss fans over the years thanks to some thrilling (and oftentimes strange) matchups. Shutting down K.J. Jefferson will be paramount here.

4. Road game vs. Auburn Tigers

Speaking of Auburn, since Lane Kiffin did not take the job on The Plains, a familiar face is now in that town, namely former Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze. Rest assured that this game will have plenty of storylines in the week leading up to the meeting, and this one could have some personal stakes on the line for both coaches. Freeze will surely want to top his former school, and Kiffin may want to prove that he made the right decision in staying in Oxford. It's just one game, but emotions go a long way.

5. Road game vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Lane Kiffin has only lost one meeting in the Egg Bowl, but in Mississippi, it's important for that not to become a habit. The tragedy of Mike Leach's passing this offseason has placed Zach Arnett as the Bulldogs' head coach, so this will be the first meeting between these two as program CEOs. With this being the final game of the regular season, it'll be important for Kiffin to secure a win in Starkville.

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You can follow John Macon on Twitter at @JMakeGillespie.

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