FIRST CALL | Title: Auburn's Blueprint to UPSET Ole Miss! 5 Keys and 5 Players Who MUST Step Up!

Auburn faces a crucial matchup against Ole Miss this weekend, seeking to rebound from a disappointing loss to LSU. The team aims to establish a strong running game, as Ole Miss ranks last in the SEC for rushing defense, allowing an average of 161 yards per game. Key players like Byron Brown and Jeremiah Cobb are expected to step up and capitalize on this weakness to control the game.

Defensively, Auburn must contain Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who has proven to be a significant threat. The Tigers' offensive line, which struggled against LSU, needs to improve to protect Brown and facilitate the running game. Additionally, forcing turnovers will be essential for Auburn to gain an advantage, as they did in their previous game against Georgia.

Five players are highlighted as critical to Auburn's success: Brown must make quicker decisions and utilize his running ability; Cobb needs to bring the same energy he displayed against Georgia; linebacker Elijah Melendez is tasked with bolstering the defense; cornerback Andre Jordan Jr. must improve after a poor performance against LSU; and offensive lineman Cole Best must lead the line to prevent further breakdowns. The outcome of this game could significantly impact Auburn's season, potentially bringing them to an even record with Ole Miss.

Auburn football has a chance to pull off another major SEC upset against Ole Miss, but Alex Golesh and the Tigers must fix several critical problems exposed in their embarrassing loss to LSU.

What will it take for Auburn to beat Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels in Oxford?

On Auburn Daily First Call, we break down 10 critical factors: five keys to victory and five Auburn players who must deliver if the Tigers want to shock Ole Miss.

Auburn already proved it can win a difficult SEC road game by beating Georgia in Athens. But the Tigers followed that victory with a disappointing performance against LSU, raising serious concerns about offensive execution, defensive consistency and the team's ability to avoid slow starts.

FIVE KEYS TO BEATING OLE MISS:

1. Establish the running game against an Ole Miss defense allowing approximately 161 rushing yards per game. 2. Contain Trinidad Chambliss after Auburn struggled against LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. 3. Improve offensive line protection following seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss against LSU. 4. Force turnovers and recreate the defensive opportunities that helped Auburn beat Georgia. 5. Avoid another disastrous first half and start the game with urgency.

FIVE AUBURN PLAYERS WHO MUST STEP UP:

Byrum Brown must make quicker decisions and use his mobility to challenge the Ole Miss defense.

Jeremiah Cobb needs to rediscover the physical running style he displayed against Georgia.

Elijah Melendez must lead Auburn's defense and help contain Chambliss without Xavier Atkins.

Andre Jordan Jr. needs a major bounce-back performance after struggling in coverage against LSU.

Cole Best must improve communication and execution along Auburn's offensive line.

We also examine Ole Miss receiver Deuce Alexander, the absence of running back Kewan Lacy, and the adjustments offensive coordinator Joel Gordon and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin must make.

Could an Auburn victory open the door to an eight-win regular season?

Or will Ole Miss expose the same weaknesses LSU exploited?

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