3 Keys To Victory
1.Stick to receivers
Pass coverage has been spotty when the Rebels haven’t had a strong pass rush. Arkansas has been pretty good at protecting Tyler Wilson, who is an intelligent, pocket passer who could give the Rebels trouble the way Texas’ David Ash and Alabama’s A.J. McCarron did.
Pass rush always makes things better for the defense. When it’s not there, the Rebels are going to have to find a way to cover the crossing routes and to turn around and play the ball on downfield throws.
2.Success in the ground game
Running the football has been the staple of the Ole Miss offense.
If the Rebels are to win they’re likely going to have to win a high-scoring affair. They’re going to have to be on top of their game with quarterback Bo Wallace and running back Jeff Scott – and others.
Arkansas’ most success defensively has come against the run. The Rebels will pick their spots and try to challenge the Hogs’ young secondary. They’ll have more success doing that if they’ve first been successful on the ground.
3. Force turnovers
The Hogs are 112th in the nation, 13th in the SEC in turnover margin. They’ve been better in the last two games against Auburn and Kentucky.
Not coincidentally they won both games.
The Rebels have also improved in this game-changing category. They were 95th in America three weeks ago but have been plus-6 in the last two games and were turnover-free against Auburn.
Whoever continues their recent success today stands a great chance for another SEC win.
Denham Springs, La., native, Mississippian since 1989 with a stop in Meridian before arriving in Tupelo. Daily Journal beat writer since 1996, covering Ole Miss since 2002. Proud Northeast Louisiana alum. Follow me on Twitter @parrishalford and listen to Kory Keys and myself daily with The Ole Miss Beat on Rebel Sports Radio.
