Ole Miss Football: Five Keys For Rebels Week-One Win Over Texas Tech

Need Shutdown Pass Defense

Coach Kliff Kingsbury is in a rebuilding season with his offense and will certainly try to run the ball behind his experienced offensive line. Depending on well the Rebels can stop the run will play a part in determining how soon we see the Air Raid. While junior Red Raiders quarterback McLane Carter may not be the fan favorite for the starting QB job Saturday, he is getting the start. Carter doesn’t have a great deal of experience. Last season he played in 4 games making one start which came against Texas. Carter went 16 of 37 for 237 yards with 2 INTs and one rushing TD.

The Rebels starting secondary is a very experienced and deep group who have had enough playing time to be solid. The Kilff Kingsbury version of the Air Raid will be a stiff test for Rebels DBs simply because of Tech sophomore wide receiver TJ Vasher. Vasher is the most experienced WR on the Red Raiders roster and being 6’5 with speed and ability makes him a threat.

The Red Raiders other receivers may have less experience but they have the size Vasher has which makes them difficult in coverage. We want to see the Ole Miss secondary press these guys hard off the line. The more aggressive the secondary is the more pressure it puts on an inexperienced QB to try to make reads and make good throws. Solid and aggressive shutdown coverage will be key to the Rebels getting the win.