Ole Miss Football: How To Make The Grove Bowl A Success On The Field
![Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze talks with quarterback Shea Patterson (20) during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze talks with quarterback Shea Patterson (20) during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0daa5567dd7844a9397edb5b6690676969ef734442fa9add06a9cfe7b369f1e7.jpg)
Receiver Dominance
The one area that Ole Miss has successfully recruited has been the wide receiver position. When you look at the players we have it is hard to believe any other team in the SEC can go as deep with talent as we can. Therefore, Shea Patterson and the other quarterbacks on the roster should feel like a kid in a candy store.
Van Jefferson looks to be ready for break out year. His stats last year were very impressive with 49 receptions with 543 yards and three touchdowns. Now as a sophomore he should be more comfortable with his role. Plus with Longo’s offensive game plan he should see a lot of opportunities.
All the receivers can have a bigger impact. A. J. Brown, D. K. Metcalf and DeMarkus Lodge will be real threats on the outside. Markell Pack has been underrated as pass catcher and will be a factor. The speed of Tre Nixon will be fun to watch and should cause headaches in the slot.
Rebel fans should come away from the Grove Bowl remarking about the talent we have at wide out. We want to see catches. We want to see speed. Rebel fans want to see touchdown passes. Sure, it will make us question the secondary, but we want to know that we can still score points in the air.
Enjoy the Grove Bowl on Saturday. Remember, this is a work in progress and these kids are learning a new scheme. However, do watch for these things and you’ll be able to tell if the Rebels are moving toward success.