Ole Miss' third-quarter struggles have become a big story line with the Rebels now having been outscored 61-0 in the third quarter over the last three games.

Alabama had a 28-0 edge in the third, Arkansas a 19-0 edge and Auburn 14-0.

Kentucky has struggled to score at any time during a game, its 16.5 points a game ranking No. 115 in the NCAA, last in the SEC.

The Wildcats have also had third third-quarter struggles, getting outscored 47-17 in period No. 3 through eight games.

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt says he doesn't know if his players think they have a better chance to win because of Kentucky's struggles. He does know he's focused on better play for the Rebels after halftime.

“I don't know if they look at it like that. I know from talking to the seniors, guys who have been playing, they want to win. It doesn't matter who it is. This is the next game. It's the most important game. They're a team like us. I don't know if they're more excited or not. What I want is to get our guys excited about playing for 60 minutes, everybody do their job, play with passion and energy, let's win. Let's get a victory,” Nutt said.

Mississippi State outscored Kentucky 7-3 in the third quarter.

Freshman quarterback Maxwell Smith played most of the game in relief of injured starter Morgan Newton.

Kentucky is having a quarterback competition this week, and naming a starter could be a game-time decision.