This year’s edition of the Sugar Bowl has a pair of teams with tremendous talent. The Rebels entered the season as a potential SEC West winner but a key loss to Florida and an early November loss to Arkansas ruined those hopes. Meanwhile, Oklahoma St. exceeded expectations, however stumbled across two late season losses to Baylor and Oklahoma. Who will earn the sweet taste of victory in this marquee matchup? Here is our preview of the Sugar Bowl.
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Why Oklahoma St. May Win:
The 13th ranked Cowboys have been known over the years for their consistent, fast paced offense. This season was no exception as they averaged 42 points a game, good for sixth in the country in scoring. Defending Oklahoma St. is somewhat complex as they have a successful two-headed quarterback system between Mason Rudolph (3,591 yards, 21 TDs and nine INTs) and JW Walsh (663 passing yards, 13 TDs, one INT/285 rushing yards, 11 TDs). That fast paced offense that was mentioned earlier has a number of efficient pass catchers and are led by WR James Washington (52 catches, 1,077 yards, and 10 TDs) who averages an amazing 20.7 yards a catch along with David Glidden who pitches in another 807 yards and 3 TDs. OKSU is a pass heavy team that is seventh in the country in passing yards per game.
There’s not much to speak on about the Cowboys on defense. However, they do have a pair of talented defenders in DE Emmanuel Ogbah and CB Kevin Peterson. Ogbah has been a force on defense in 60 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks and is considered a shoe-in for the first round in the 2016 draft. Look for him to be active as he is known for his consistent motor. In Peterson, OKSU has a shutdown corner who gave Baylor WR Corey Coleman fits. Now he has Rebels WR Laquan Treadwell in his path.
South Bound & Down
Why Ole Miss May Win:
The Rebels will enter the game without their best defensive lineman in Robert Nkemdiche and their best defensive back safety Tony Connor. How the unit fares without their key parts will be worth keeping an eye on. The season showcased a defense that only gives up 24.6 points a game and only 4.8 yards a play. Look for CB Trae Elston as he will have to matchup with just about every receiver from the Cowboys at different times. Tackling will be key for Ole Miss as they have 21 players with 20 or more tackles. An up-and-down offense in Ok. State can rack up yards if Ole Miss doesn’t exercise sound tackling.
Treadwell (76 catches, 1,082 yards, and eight TDs) is the best player on the offense, hands down. The junior wide-out is a matchup issue as he is an aggressive 215 pound receiver. His catches are being thrown by Clemson transfer Chad Kelly who has been very impressive with 3,740 yards with 27 TDs and 12 INTs. Kelly has sneaky athleticism as he is capable of being a run threat with 436 yards and 10 scores. With so much attention on Kelly and Treadwell, RB Jaylen Walton could be in for a big day. Keep a mental note of Oklahoma State being 88th in the country in rushing defense (193.7 ypg).
Who Will Win:
Losing Nkemdiche to suspension and Connor to a knee injury is a major kick to the gut for Ole Miss. Those two set the tone at their respective positions. With a high-octane offense in Oklahoma State, Ole Miss is going to have to be disciplined and can’t afford numerous mistakes. Key matchups include WR Laquan Treadwell vs. CB Kevin Peterson and OT Laremy Tunsil vs. DE Emmanuel Ogbah. This has the feeling of a roller coaster shootout. Oklahoma State catches a break with their two elite opponents out for the game. For either team to get a win, turnovers will be key as Ole Miss is 30th in takeaways and OKSU is fifth.
Cowboys 35 Rebels 31
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