Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M point spread: Picking Rebels vs. Aggies

In Week 10, there are plenty of exciting matchups in the college football world. Arguably, one of the more intriguing games on Saturday will be the showdown between SEC West powers, the Texas A&M Aggies and the Ole Miss Rebels.

Ole Miss has their eyes on a berth in the conference championship game in December. Whereas Texas A&M and their head coach, Jimbo Fisher, are in survival mode, attempting to become bowl-eligible after missing out in 2022.

On3’s Andy Staples, on the Andy Staples On3, and this week’s guest Dan Rubenstein, broke down the line for the game, which, surprisingly to Staples, has the Rebels as a 3-point favorite at home.

“This line feels weird — Ole Miss by 3. That feels a little stinky to me because Ole Miss has played really well, has more dudes on defense than people realize, and Texas A&M has not been particularly smooth on offense,” said Staples.

While they do not have an elite defense as they did during the ‘Land Sharks’ era, Ole Miss has had a serviceable defense this year, which ranks modestly in the middle of the pack and most statistical categories in the SEC. However, there is one area where the Rebels excel this season, and it is getting into the opposing team’s backfield and hitting their quarterback. This year, only their week 10 opponent, Texas A&M, has recorded more sacks on the season, as both teams sit atop the conference with 33 and 30 sacks, respectively.

Texas A&M’s strong suit this year has been its defense, which ranks towards the top of all of the college football programs and a number of categories. However, for as good as their defense is, their offense has struggled. But in this particular matchup, Rubenstein believes the combination of the Aggies pours offense, and the elite play of the rebels equals a recipe for disaster for Texas A&M on Saturday.

“Texas A&M hasn’t scored a second-half offensive touchdown since September 23 — that’s worrisome,” said Rubenstein. “I think I like Ole Miss here. And you’re right about the Ole Miss defense. The problem with Ole Miss to me is, just at random points in the game, their own offense seems to fully shut down. I like Jaxson Dart, obviously; what’s not to like about QuinShon Judkins.”

“I like Ole Miss here because Texas A&M, away from home in true road games, has been unflattering to watch. It’s been a tough year on the road, especially for the offensive. So I’m going Ole Miss almost by default here, just because I trust Max Johnson and A&M less.”

Staples does jump in once more to give his prediction on the outcome of the game, but the college football expert does have a sense that something ominous may be brewing in the wind.

“What does Vegas know that we don’t? This is a scary, scary proposition because the things you just said are true. All the things that you said are the reasons that I also planned to pick Ole Miss because I just don’t see a way that A&M wins this game if Ole Miss’s defense shows up.

“I don’t know if Ole Miss is going to score the way they have against most teams, but I have faith in the score enough to win this game by three points,” said Staples.

With the line being suspiciously small, Staples does wonder if there is something that he is overlooking. But in the betting sense, the On3 college football expert believes a 3-point line is just too good to pass up. And that is why he is also in favor of Ole Miss covering at home on Saturday.