The Ole Miss Rebels have had a rough time finding wins thus far in the 2016 season. Playing in the SEC West, that is to be expected. Still, they have a decent shot of winning their next few games and ending this season on a positive note.
This weekend, they take on a nonconference opponent in the form of Georgia Southern. Here some keys to winning and regaining momentum on the gridiron this Saturday.
Offensive Keys
Play Solid Up Front
The Rebels are playing with a banged up offensive line this weekend. Javon Patterson will be the starter at center, putting pressure on younger guys to fill other roles along the line. This offensive line unit needs to come together and figure out a way to dominate the line of scrimmage like an SEC team should.
Throw the Deep Ball
Everyone knows how explosive the Ole Miss offense can be. Chad Kelly has a cannon for an arm, and the Ole Miss receivers are monsters on gameday. Lately, though, something has been missing. The Rebels have still been getting big plays, but they have ceased to find those true homerun plays. This offense is not at its best when it is ripping off five yards per play. Ole Miss needs to air it out and find a few game-breaking types of plays.
Defensive Keys
Rommel Mageo Needs to Step Up
Throughout this season, the Ole Miss defensive line has done a tremendous job against opposing offenses. However, the linebackers have played poorly, thus making the defensive line look bad. This week, Oregon State transfer Rommel Mageo will finally get the nod at middle linebacker. There was a lot of excitement surrounding Mageo’s entry into this program, but he has not played how many thought he would. After a nice showing against Auburn, Mageo looks to continue to improve his efforts on the field, and the Ole Miss defense will heavily rely on him to deliver.
Marquis Haynes Needs to be Relentless
This one is simple. The Ole Miss secondary unit is just too young, and they are going to make some mistakes. Marquis Haynes needs to dominate whoever the opposing offense puts in front of him and get to the quarterback as often as he can.
Key of the Game
Rush for Over 150 Yards
Ole Miss is now 5-20 under Hugh Freeze when the team rushes for less than 150 yards. We all know Chad Kelly could easily put up some gaudy numbers this weekend, but would that really help the Rebels down the stretch? Along with hitting a few home runs, Ole Miss needs to find their run game and roll with it for the rest of the season.
Cole Crenshaw is an intern for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached tccrensh@go.olemiss.edu.
Recent Comments