It’s been brought up a number of times now that Ole Miss have a big game Saturday. They travel to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs, who are looking to take their winning record to 27, with a win over Ole Miss. How do you stop a juggernaut like Georgia?
No turnovers
No head coach wants to see turnovers in any game. However, against a team like Georgia, the margin for error is far less than other opposition.
For example, last week Missouri played a great game against the Bulldogs, down 27-21 with half the 4th quarter left to play. Mizzou were on offense with a chance to go up with a touchdown. QB Brady Cook threw an interception, resulting in a field goal for Georgia.
The next drive he threw another interception, sealing the game for the Bulldogs.
If the Rebels play their best football, this game will still be close, likely a 1 score game either way. Turnovers can flush the game down the toilet, as seen last weekend, with 1-0 turnovers in favour of Ole Miss, who we know won the game by 3 points.
QB Jaxson Dart needs to look after the ball. Offensive players need to hold onto that ball tight during contact. It’s going to be a tough game, don’t give Georgia anything for free.
Improvement on 3rd down conversions
Wide receiver Tre Harris had a excellent day against Texas A&M last weekend. The Rebels are one of the best teams when it comes to explosive plays, with Harris and the running backs being a big part of that.
However, 3rd down efficiency is a worry for the Rebels offense. Explosive plays rarely happen on 3rd down. To be honest, not a lot happens in that area.
The last game, Ole Miss were 4 from 11 on 3rd down completions. In the last 4 games, they are around a 30% completion rate on 3rd downs.
Georgia is now 1st nationally in 3rd down conversion percentage on offense (56.3%) and 5th nationally in 3rd down conversion percentage on defense (28.2%)
— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) November 8, 2023
That's getting it done on "money downs"
Ole Miss is 111th on offensive 3rd Downs (32.3%) and 85th on defense (41.3%)
The Bulldogs will put you in a lot of 3rd down situations, so that stat has to improve on Saturday if Ole Miss want a victory.
Play with no fear
The build up to this weekends game will have been very similar to others. The Rebels have practiced hard, while going through the plays that they believe will help them get the victory on Saturday.
What they must not do is let the occasion beat them. It’s going to be a hostile atmosphere under the lights in Athens. The Bulldogs are back-to-back college football champions. Everything says Georgia will win this game.
Ole Miss need to play like they have done in big games this season. Take what they didn’t do on the road against Alabama early in the season and make it right against Georgia.
The Rebels know they didn’t leave it all out their against Bama. They can’t do the same against Kirby Smart’s team.
If Ole Miss leaves every ounce of energy on that field, then Rebels fans are going to be a proud fanbase.