In recent seasons, Alabama has been considered a big key game on the Ole Miss football schedule.

This season, Vanderbilt is considered a big key game on the Ole Miss football schedule. That’s because there is no bowl game due to a self-imposed NCAA restriction this season and after three consecutive losses for the Rebels, including on the road at California, Alabama and Auburn, the Commodores line up as a sort of tipping point.

Should Ole Miss beat Vanderbilt, which they are favored to do, then wins against future opponents like Arkansas, Texas A&M and Louisiana Lafayette are also likely, meaning a five or six-win season is within reach.

If the Rebels salvaged that kind of season in a year like this, it would be a success for interim coach Matt Luke and staff by all measures.

It’s not that Ole Miss can’t win other games beyond Vanderbilt if they fail to pull out this homecoming game but momentum seems to have a place in big-time college football.

That’s why we are eagerly anticipating this Vanderbilt game, which should be an entertaining and meaningful contest on a sunny, October afternoon. So, bring on the Commodores.