Rebels seek redemption against improving Oklahoma defense.
16Powers.com
Ole Miss travels to Norman Saturday hoping to recover from one of its most disappointing performances of the season.
The Rebels suffered a humiliating 42-7 defeat against Georgia last weekend, a result that damaged their College Football Playoff aspirations and exposed weaknesses on both sides of the football.
Ole Miss enters the contest at 6-3 overall and 4-3 in Southeastern Conference competition.
Oklahoma improved to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in league play after defeating Florida 23-7 in Gainesville.
The Sooners have struggled with offensive consistency during portions of the season, but their defense demonstrated substantial improvement against the Gators.
Oklahoma limited Florida to 203 total yards, generated two interceptions and prevented the Gators from establishing an effective passing attack.
That defensive performance provides a foundation for Saturday’s contest.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will be challenged to rebound after Georgia repeatedly disrupted the Rebels’ offense.
Chambliss has demonstrated the ability to produce substantial passing yardage, but the Rebels must provide better protection and establish a more reliable rushing attack.
Against Georgia, Ole Miss accumulated only 66 rushing yards and struggled to sustain drives.
Oklahoma will undoubtedly attempt to replicate portions of Georgia’s defensive strategy by pressuring Chambliss and forcing difficult third-down situations.
However, Oklahoma’s offense must also improve if the Sooners intend to defeat a ranked opponent.
Quarterback John Mateer demonstrated encouraging progress against Florida, passing for 207 yards and two touchdowns while contributing 56 rushing yards.
Mateer’s mobility makes him particularly dangerous when opponents concentrate on defending the passing game.
The Sooners also produced an impressive 20-play, 89-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter against Florida.
That possession demonstrated the kind of patience and offensive execution Oklahoma will need against Ole Miss.
The Rebels’ defense struggled against Georgia’s balanced attack, surrendering 481 total yards and six touchdowns.
Oklahoma should attempt to establish its running game early before using play-action passes and quarterback movement to challenge the Ole Miss secondary.
One important question is whether the Rebels can quickly recover their confidence following such a decisive defeat.
Ole Miss has demonstrated offensive explosiveness throughout the season, but turnovers and negative plays could become costly against an Oklahoma defense capable of generating pressure.
The Sooners will also benefit from playing at home, where crowd noise could disrupt Ole Miss’ offensive communication.
This matchup could become a defensive struggle if Oklahoma successfully limits the Rebels’ explosive passing plays.
However, Ole Miss may have the greater offensive upside.
Chambliss and the Rebels should be motivated to demonstrate that last weekend’s performance was an exception rather than a sign of deeper problems.
Expect Oklahoma to control portions of the game through its defense and running attack, but Ole Miss should find enough offensive production to keep the outcome close.
The contest may ultimately be decided by turnovers and fourth-quarter execution.
SEC Scouts+1
16POWERS PREDICTION
Oklahoma 24, Ole Miss 21
