GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Auburn defensive backs (CBs Noah Igbinoghene and Jamel Dean, NB Javaris Davis, SS Daniel Thomas, and FS Jeremiah Dinson) look to have a busy game against Ole Miss WRs A.J. Brown (50 catches, 650 yards), Damarkus Lodge (35-466) and Braylon Sanders (12-247). (D.K. Metcalf is injured and out for the rest of the season.) The Tigers have eight interceptions with Thomas and Dinson leading the team with two each. The Tigers, who have 18 sacks, also will be looking to pressure Ole Miss QB Jordan Ta’amu, who has 15 touchdown passes against only five interceptions. The Rebels have surrendered only 13 sacks.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Jarrett Stidham was 28-of-45 passing for 322 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Tennessee, but he also threw two interceptions, lost a fumble, and missed several relatively easy throws. “I turned the ball over three times and that is completely on me,” he said. “Regardless of any circumstance, I have to do a better job on holding the ball and not turn it over.” Tennessee took advantage of the turnovers for two touchdowns. “That was really the difference in the game,” coach Gus Malzahn said. “Tennessee didn’t turn the ball over, and they had a good third-down plan.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–FS Jeremiah Dinson was ejected for targeting against Tennessee but the penalty came in the second quarter and he will be eligible to start against Ole Miss.
–RB Jatarvious Whitlow is considered “day-to-day” with an upper body injury sustained when he tried to recover QB Jarrett Stidham’s fumble in the loss to Tennessee. A redshirt freshman, Whitlow is Auburn’s leading rusher with 456 yards on 81 carries.
–CB Jamal Dean has a shoulder issue that has him also listed as “day-to-day” regarding his status for Saturday.
–DE Marlon Davidson is day-to-day with an ankle injury.
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