Jordan-Hare Stadium will play host to a pivotal SEC West matchup on Saturday when No. 18 Auburn hosts incoming, 10th-ranked Ole Miss. The winner of Saturday's meeting will remain in contention to claim the division championship, while the loser will be playing simply for bowl standing.
The Rebels (6-1) have only one loss on the season thus far, a 42-21 defeat at then-No. 1 Alabama. The Tigers (5-2) have losses to then-No. 10 Penn State and Georgia, now the No. 1 team in the country. By virtue of only one SEC loss, however, Auburn can still head to Atlanta with wins over Ole Miss, Texas A&M and, to end the season, Alabama.
MORE: College football bowl projections for Week 9
How will the battle play out on Saturday? It's likely it will be an offensive showcase, as both teams play quarterbacks known to frustrate opposing defenses with their rushing ability.
Rebels quarterback Matt Corral is one of the nation's best in that regard, rushing 100 times on the season for 474 yards and nine scores this season. That includes an incredible 30-carry, 195-yard outburst vs. Tennessee in Week 7. (Those weren't just stat-stuffing rushes, either: Ole Miss needed his rushing acumen in what was ultimately a 31-26 victory). Oh, and he has completed 140 of 207 passes — 67.6 percent — for 1,913 yards and 15 touchdowns to one interception.
Conversely, Auburn's Bo Nix has been more battle-tested — at least in regard to his status as the Tigers' unquestioned leader. First-year coach Bryan Harsin pulled Nix late vs. Georgia State in Week 4, allowing LSU transfer TJ Finley to lead a controversial game-winning drive vs. the Panthers. Harsin benched Nix again vs. LSU, as Auburn fell behind 10-0 early. He eventually came back to complete 23 of 44 passes for 255 yards and a score. He also added 74 rushing yards and another touchdown in the win.
Nix has since reclaimed his status as the Tigers' starter, combining to complete 42 of 64 passes (65.6 percent) for 509 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has another rushing touchdown.
Sporting News has everything you need to tune in and watch what should be a fantastic quarterback battle between Ole Miss and Auburn:
MORE: Watch Ole Miss vs. Auburn live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
What channel is Ole Miss vs. Auburn on today?
- TV channel (national): ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN App, fuboTV
The meeting between Ole Miss and Auburn will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Sean McDonough and Todd Blackledge will call the game.
Ole Miss vs. Auburn start time
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 30
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Ole Miss vs. Auburn will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET from Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
MORE: College Football Playoff Picture for Week 9
Ole Miss schedule 2021
| Opponent | Date | Outcome |
| vs. Louisville (Atlanta) | Sept. 6 | Ole Miss 43, Louisville 24 |
| vs. Austin Peay | Sept. 11 | Ole Miss 54, Austin Peay 17 |
| vs. Tulane | Sept. 18 | Ole Miss 61, Tulane 21 |
| Bye | Sept. 25 | N/A |
| at No. 1 Alabama | Oct. 2 | Alabama 42, Ole Miss 21 |
| vs. No. 13 Arkansas | Oct. 9 | Ole Miss 52, Arkansas 51 |
| at Tennessee | Oct. 16 | Ole Miss 31, Tennessee 26 |
| vs. LSU | Oct. 23 | Ole Miss 31, LSU 17 |
| at No. 18 Auburn | Oct. 30 | TBD |
| vs. Liberty | Nov. 6 | TBD |
| vs. No. 14 Texas A&M | Nov. 13 | TBD |
| vs. Vanderbilt | Nov. 20 | TBD |
| at Mississippi State | Nov. 25 | TBD |
Auburn schedule 2021
| Opponent | Date | Outcome |
| vs. Akron | Sept. 4 | Auburn 60, Akron 10 |
| vs. Alabama State | Sept. 11 | Auburn 62, Alabama State 0 |
| at No. 10 Penn State | Sept. 18 | Penn State 28, Auburn 20 |
| vs. Georgia State | Sept. 25 | Auburn 34, Georgia State 24 |
| at LSU | Oct. 2 | Auburn 24, LSU 19 |
| vs. No. 2 Georgia | Oct. 9 | Georgia 34, Auburn 10 |
| at No. 17 Arkansas | Oct. 16 | Auburn 38, Arkansas 23 |
| Bye | Oct. 23 | N/A |
| vs. No. 10 Ole Miss | Oct. 30 | TBD |
| at No. 14 Texas A&M | Nov. 6 | TBD |
| vs. Mississippi State | Nov. 13 | TBD |
| at South Carolina | Nov. 20 | TBD |
| vs. No. 3 Alabama | Nov. 27 | TBD |
