Texas A&M Aggies vs. Ole Miss Rebels: Week 10 Opponent Preview
The Texas A&M Aggies certainly aren't where they hoped they'd be entering Week 10.
In a perfect world, coach Jimbo Fisher's squad would have flexed their talent and taken advantage of Alabama being in a "down" year, or at the very least, rebounded from a loss against the Crimson Tide with a big-time win over Tennessee.
But they did neither of those things.
Luckily for the Aggies, they did pull out a win over South Carolina to build some positive momentum, but now the next task stands ahead: beating the Ole Miss Rebels.
Last season, Ole Miss finished 8-5 with a Bowl-Game loss to Texas Tech. Not the most ideal ending, but fortunately for coach Lane Kiffin, his squad is set to return two thirds of its primary offensive production. True freshman running back Quinshon Judkins put up a ridiculous statline, rushing for a conference best 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns to power the Rebels' run game.
He'll be back for more next season, still taking handoffs from rising junior Jaxson Dart, who finished with the SEC's sixth-most passing totals. Together, the two of them will make for a high-powered offense, though a new group of receivers will set the tone for Dart's season.
On defense, the Rebels could find themselves in a rut, as all five of their top tacklers will not be returning to the field next season. That sets up free safety Isheem Young to have a breakout season, but he'll need some solid help from younger and incoming players as well if the Rebels want to improve their record from last season.
By this point in the season, any and all excuses related to chemistry and bonding are long gone, so the Aggies will need to be find a rhythm and keep it through all four quarters — especially on the road. The Rebels are far from pushovers, and could be gearing up for a run at the SEC West if the Tide aren't careful, making this week even bigger for a Texas A&M team looking to re-introduce itself in the conference.
Be sure to stick with AllAggies.com throughout the week as we preview every aspect of the Texas A&M Aggies' Week 10 matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford.
2023-24 NCAA Football Week 10: Ole Miss Rebels
2023 Record: 7-1, 4-1 SEC
Head coach: Lane Kiffin
Offensive Leaders:
Passing: QB Jaxson Dart
2022 stats: 136-212, 2,080 yards, 14 touchdowns, four interceptions
Rushing: RB Quinshon Judkins
2022 stats: 146 carries, 691 yards, 4.7 yards per carry, nine touchdowns
Receiving: WR Jordan Watkins
2022 stats: 39 receptions, 580 yards, 14.9 yards per catch, two touchdowns
Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: S Trey Washington, 49
Interceptions: S Trey Washington, 2
Sacks: DE Jared Ivey, 5.5