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The result sets up an all or nothing showdown next week between the Vols and Georgia with the winner moving on to the South playoffs the following week.
In very soggy conditions, UT put in 10 tries with Jordan Bowlus (3), Mason Howard (2) and Danny Adams (2) leading the way.
The Volunteer forwards laid the platform by hitting it up and grinding down their opposition in what was heavy going underfoot.
“Credit to Ole Miss as I think that under the scoring system they’ve qualified for one of the DII slots,” Tennessee head coach Butch Robertson told ARN.
“Like Vanderbilt last week, they didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit’.”
Elsewhere, #6 Army continued its buildup to the Round of 16 by competing at the St Patrick’s Day tournament in Savannah, GA, where they beat an All-Air Force side 22-10.
The Air Force team is an active duty side that included current Eagle pool players Brian LeMay and Josh Dean.
“A bit flat to start, but we used the wind and played some good phase play,” said Army head coach Rich Pohlidal.
The Black Knights dropped their second game 21-17 to the Detroit Tradesmen.
Meantime, #14 Kutztown beat the University of Minnesota at Mankato 55-0 and then Lake Forest College 31-5 in the college bracket at the same tourney.
And in a Friday night contest in Newark, DE, #10 Delaware was beaten 19-12 by the Wilmington men’s team in the resurrected Kildare’s Cup match.
The Kildare's Cup was originally established to decide who was the best team in the state of Delaware. UD and Wilmington RFC are the only rugby clubs in the state.
It was 19-5 at halftime and while Delaware had the better of things in the second frame, the college side couldn’t overcome the elements.
“The steady downpour of rain helped their game plan, which was if the ball goes out to the backs, run it back into the fold of the forwards,” Delaware head coach Bjorn Haglid told ARN.
And in a late game, Northeastern beat Rhode Island 47-0 after leading 25-0 at the half.