# Ole Miss vs Missouri: Critical Playoff Matchup

> Ole Miss edges Missouri in high-stakes SEC clash with key returnees.
- Title: Ole Miss vs Missouri: Critical Playoff Matchup | Shortify
- Summary: Ole Miss edges Missouri in high-stakes SEC clash with key returnees. Ole Miss beats Missouri 34-31 in critical playoff game with Kewan Lacy facing former…
- Keywords: ole miss, missouri, seattle, nfl, college football, playoffs, kewan lacy, austin simmons, cayden lee, chambliss, trinidad chambliss, jamal robs
- Source: Ole Miss Rebels On SI — https://si.com/college/olemiss/football/ole-miss-vs-missouri-predictions-who-wins-critical-matchup-and-why
- Published: 2026-10-16T17:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ole miss, missouri, seattle, nfl, college football, playoffs, kewan lacy, austin simmons, cayden lee, chambliss, trinidad chambliss, jamal robs
## Ole Miss vs Missouri: Critical Playoff Matchup
Ole Miss (4-1, 2-1 SEC) and Missouri (5-1, 2-1 SEC) face off in a high-stakes SEC game this weekend.
## Both Teams Need Playoff Path
Both teams need a win to maintain a reasonable path to the College Football Playoffs.
## Kewan Lacy Faces Former Team
Rebels' star running back Kewan Lacy faces his former team for the first time since leaving Missouri in 2024.
## Returning Starters Return
Former Ole Miss starters Austin Simmons, Cayden Lee, and Chris Graves Jr. return to Oxford for the first time since entering the transfer portal.
## Kickoff Details
Saturday's kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network with Ole Miss as six-point home favorites.
## Ole Miss On SI Predictions
Ole Miss On SI predicts Ole Miss wins this critical matchup with key returnees.
## Missouri's Defensive Strength
Missouri has played better on the defensive side of the ball and matches Ole Miss' offensive firepower.
## Ole Miss' Defensive Challenge
Ole Miss must improve from its nightmare performance defending the run against Florida.
## Key to Victory
Ole Miss' victory will come down to final possessions and whichever offense has the ball last.
## Ole Miss Predicted Win
Ole Miss wins 34-31 with Kewan Lacy facing former team and returning starters.
## Missouri's Pass Rush
Missouri has 18 sacks this year, tied with Texas for third in the SEC behind LSU and Tennessee.
## Ole Miss' Sacks Allowed
Ole Miss is No. 1 in the SEC in sacks allowed with just five.
## Ole Miss' Strategy
Ole Miss can protect Trinidad Chambliss and slow down Missouri's balanced offense to win.
## Ole Miss Wins 34-31
Ole Miss beats Missouri 34-31 in critical playoff game with key returnees.
## Key takeaway

Ole Miss beats Missouri 34-31 in critical playoff game with Kewan Lacy facing former team and returning starters.