Four Keys to an Ole Miss win over Tennessee

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss travels to Knoxville this weekend to take on the high-flying Tennessee Volunteers. Let’s take a quick look at these four keys to the game for Ole Miss.

Running game

• Ole Miss is second in the SEC in average rushing yards per game at 259.6.
• This season the Tennessee defense is giving up an average of 112.2 yards per game on the ground. After the Rebels’ performance in last week’s game running the ball, it will be vital for Ole Miss to replicate the success on the ground again this week. 

Stopping the run

• The Ole Miss defense will need to find a way to stop the run this week versus Tennessee. The Volunteers are averaging 253.7 rushing yards per game.
• Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans has rushed for over 100 yards in three of six games this season.
• It will also be important for the Rebels to contain quarterback Hendon Hooker who is listed at 6’4,” 218 lbs. and has 3 rushing touchdown this season, one in each of three of his five starts this season.

Tackling

• The Rebels have missed 83 total tackles this season for is 16.6 per game average. It will be paramount to get all eleven players to the ball this week against a Tennessee offense that is heating up at the right time.

Pressure on Hooker

• This season when under pressure, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is completing only 52.4 percent of his passes. Hooker also has six fumbles on the season. If the Rebels can get pressure on Hooker early and often they will have a chance to get him off his game.
• The Ole Miss pass rushers will need to be quick, though, as Hooker gets rid of the ball fast. He has thrown 46.9% of his passes 0-9 yards downfield at a 77.4% completion rate

If the Rebs succeed in these four key areas, look for them to leave Neyland Stadium with a win. Hotty Toddy!

Game info: 

Ole Miss and Tennessee kick off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) on SEC Network this Saturday in Knoxville.