Mississippi @ Tennessee preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 14, 2009 ) Tennessee 17, Mississippi 42

Tennessee has been somewhat of a whipping boy in the SEC. It is winless in conference play, losing five games by an average of 17 points.

The Volunteers (3-6, 0-5) will have their best chance thus far to notch that first SEC win when they host Mississippi (4-5, 1-4) on Saturday. Tennessee has held its own against heavyweights Alabama, Florida and LSU only to be undone by its youth and inexperience. Last week, the Vols put it all together and thrashed Memphis, 50-14. Quarterback Tyler Bray thrived in his first start, throwing for five touchdowns against the Tigers’ beleaguered defense.

Ole Miss hasn’t fared well against SEC competition either. All of its losses have been by at least 13 points, including a 14-point loss to Vanderbilt in the Commodores only conference win. Despite their struggles, the Rebels can run the football. Ole Miss averages 221 yards rushing per game (13th in the country). Ole Miss could be without quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who was knocked out of last week’s game with a concussion. He was limited in practice early in the week and is listed as questionable.

The wins by Tennessee and Ole Miss last week snapped losing streaks and both teams are clinging to hopes of becoming bowl eligible. Tennessee may have a better chance by virtue of its schedule. The Vols close with Kentucky and Vanderbilt, two teams with losing records, while the Rebels will face two ranked opponents in LSU and Mississippi State.

It’s tough to say how much of Tennessee’s success last week was due to its maturation or the inferiority of the Memphis, which fell to 1-7. It’s clear, though that Bray is the quarterback of the future – and the present. Taking the job over from Matt Simms, Bray threw all five of his touchdowns in the first half and to five different receivers. The 6-6 California kid who was named SEC freshman of the week showed poise and accuracy in throwing for 308 yards. Tennessee coach Derek Dooley picked a good time to insert Bray into the lineup. Memphis ranks 119th in the country in points allowed; Mississippi is 100th
(32.9 ppg).

Ole Miss could be in trouble if Masoli can’t play. The Oregon transfer has accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of offense (1,521 passing, 446 rushing) and 16 total touchdowns. Sophomore backup Nathan Stanley has thrown 26 passes this season. Running back Brandon Bolden is the workhorse of the ground game, leading the Rebels with 727 yards on 121 carries and nine touchdowns. He’s also a threat out of the backfield with 24 catches and three touchdowns.

Tennessee will attempt to win consecutive games for the first time this season. Kicker Daniel Lincoln (quad) is expected to return after missing the last four games. Tight end Luke Stocker (concussion) is questionable and CB Marsalis Teague (knee) is doubtful. For Ole Miss, DE Gerald Rivers (hip) is probable; LB Jonathan Cornell (hip) is questionable and center A.J. Hawkins (ankle) is questionable.