For two teams going in opposite directions, there is one definite similarity: Auburn and Ole Miss could both desperately use a win.

Both teams sit at 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Southeastern Conference contests coming into Saturday’s match-up, which will be televised by Raycom Sports at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

—

Auburn at Ole Miss – 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 1, Raycom Sports

With four games left, a win Saturday would help either team take a big step toward bowl eligibility. Conversely, a loss would make a postseason berth much more difficult to attain.

“This is a very, very important ballgame,” Mississippi coach Houston Nutt said Wednesday during a teleconference for Southeastern Conference coaches.

Then there is the importance the game will have on the two programs even beyond this season.

The Rebels are a team on the rise, having already surpassed last year’s win total in Nutt’s first season. The Tigers, meanwhile, aren’t enjoying 2008 nearly as much.

After nine mostly successful seasons on the Plains, coach Tommy Tuberville has had to answer questions about his job security as the offense struggled under new coordinator Tony Franklin, who was fired three weeks ago, and the team is on a three-game losing streak for the first time since the 2001 season.

“We’re in good shape physically,” Tuberville said. “Mentally, we need to get back.”