As the 2016 football season rolls towards an end, we find ourselves staring down yet another fantastic Egg Bowl matchup. Although this game is important to both sides, it seems to have a little more significance for Ole Miss, as the Rebels need this win to become bowl eligible. Here is what needs to happen in order for Ole Miss to take home their 3rd Egg Bowl win in a row.
Offense
Establish a Run Game
Shea Patterson is an incredible talent, and he can light up a defense at any time. However, any young, freshman QB needs help. That help needs to come in the form of Akeem Judd. If the Rebels can find a run game, expect Patterson to have a performance similar to the one he had in College Station.
Get Creative
Ole Miss would love to drop back and run the same plays Chad Kelly tortured defenses with, but with a beat up offensive line and a freshman Quarterback, they need to open up the playbook a little. It is safe to say that Shea Patterson is at his best when he is just running around making plays, so the Rebels need to get creative with their play calling.
Defense
Bring the Heat
The Rebel’s defense is struggling mightily to stop opposing teams. The Bulldogs are going to have their success on the ground, but the landshark defense needs to get Nick Fitzgerald out of his comfort zone by getting in his face all game.
Force Turnovers
The Ole Miss offense has struggled lately, so if the defense can come up with some timely turnovers, that would go a long way towards keeping the Golden Egg in Oxford.
Key of the Game
The Fans
This one is Simple. Every year, no one knows exactly how to predict the outcome of this game; the only true difference is where the game is played. The home team is often the winner in this matchup, and that is no coincident. The crowd will play a huge factor in this game, but it is up to the Rebel faithful to decide which team it will help. Our team has not given up on us, so let’s not give up on them.
Cole Crenshaw is an intern for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached tccrensh@go.olemiss.edu.
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