The Texas Longhorns are running out of room for mistakes, and Saturday's matchup against No. 7 Ole Miss could determine whether Steve Sarkisian's team remains a serious College Football Playoff contender.

No. 19 Texas (4-2, 1-2 SEC) welcomes the Rebels (5-1, 3-1) to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ABC. Coming off consecutive three-point losses to Oklahoma and Florida, the Longhorns need far more than another competitive performance.

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Five matchups could decide whether Texas gets its season back on track.

Manning has thrown for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns, but consistency remains elusive. Against Florida, he managed 173 passing yards, including 62 on a late desperation completion.

Ole Miss safety Sharif Denson recorded nine tackles against Missouri and has 30 this season. He'll be an important part of the Rebels' effort to limit big plays.

Manning says he'll be "letting it rip" Saturday. Texas needs that confidence to translate into decisive throws rather than costly mistakes.

Texas' Offensive Line vs. Ole Miss' Defensive Front

The Longhorns have struggled to sustain possessions, going three-and-out on 34.3 percent of their drives, the SEC's worst rate.

That's a major problem against Pete Golding's aggressive defense.

With offensive lineman Jaydon Chatman questionable and Trey Goosby sidelined, protection and communication become especially important.

Manning can't consistently attack downfield if he's forced to escape pressure before his receivers finish their routes.

This could be the game's defining matchup.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has thrown for 1,676 yards and accounted for 14 touchdowns through six games. He threw three touchdown passes in last week's 31-3 victory over Missouri.

Texas, however, could be without star edge rusher Colin Simmons, who is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp must find ways to pressure Chambliss without allowing him to escape and create explosive plays.

Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy is returning to form after battling injuries.

He rushed for 122 yards on 16 carries against Missouri and enters Saturday listed as probable.

Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles, the team's leading tackler with 48 stops, will play a central role in containing him.

If Lacy establishes the run, Chambliss becomes even more dangerous through play-action.

Texas needs its playmakers to deliver.

Coleman leads the Longhorns with six receiving touchdowns, while Wingo has a team-high 345 receiving yards.

Both have the ability to stretch the field, but Sarkisian must create opportunities for them before Texas falls behind schedule.

The Longhorns can't afford another afternoon of stalled drives and missed scoring chances.

Saturday's stakes are obvious.

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Texas has already lost twice in SEC play, and a third consecutive defeat would make its postseason ambitions significantly more difficult.

The Longhorns have enough talent to challenge Ole Miss. Whether their offense can finally produce consistently - and their defense can contain Chambliss without Simmons - will determine whether this becomes a season-saving victory or another painful missed opportunity.