Ole Miss Rebels vs Texas Longhorns Predictions

Texas is favored despite the weaker record

Texas is a 3.5-point home favorite and -162 on the moneyline. Ole Miss is +136 to win outright, while the total is 53.5.

The Washington Post / Associated Press reports that Ole Miss is 5-1 overall and 3-1 in SEC play, compared with 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the SEC for Texas. Those records favor taking the points, although the lack of supporting team statistics and recent results keeps confidence low.

Availability adds to the case for Ole Miss

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Arch Manning remains the starting quarterback, according to The Washington Post / Associated Press. Yahoo Sports, in a report syndicated from the Austin American-Statesman, says Texas EDGE Colin Simmons is out and running back Hollywood Smothers is doubtful. Simmons' confirmed absence weakens the case for laying 3.5 points, while Smothers' uncertain status adds risk to the favorite.

Yahoo Sports reports that seven Ole Miss players were upgraded from probable to available Thursday, including running back Kewan Lacy. Their expected roles aren't established by the available evidence, so the upgrades shouldn't be treated as a major advantage.

Texas is the market-backed pick to win, but its record and availability concerns make the spread more attractive than the -162 moneyline. The betting lean is Ole Miss +3.5, with no projected score because the available evidence doesn't support one.