What Oklahoma Needs to Do to Beat Ole Miss

Oklahoma has an opportunity to take another step forward this week when the Sooners take on Ole Miss. For Oklahoma to come away with a win, it is going to take a complete effort on both sides of the football. There are some specific things the Sooners need to do if they want to get the job done.

The Offense Has to Keep Improving

First, Oklahoma needs to continue building on what it has started offensively last week under Jason Witten in Gainesville. The Sooners need to play clean football. That means taking care of the ball, avoiding turnovers, and minimizing pre-snap penalties.

John Mateer needs to play smart, mistake-free football. He needs to make good decisions and take what the defense gives him.

Oklahoma needs to run the football effectively to help establish the offense and open things up in the passing game. The offensive line has to protect Mateer and give him time in the pocket.

One thing Oklahoma cannot afford to do is give Ole Miss short fields because of turnovers. The Rebels have a really good offense, and you don’t want to give them extra possessions. Oklahoma also needs to keep moving the chains and sustaining drives. They did a great job of moving the chains last week and need to repeat that performance against the Rebels. 

Containing Trinidad Chambliss Is Critical

On the defensive side, Oklahoma has to find a way to contain Trinidad Chambliss. He threw for 315 yards against the Sooners a year ago in Ole Miss’ 34-26 win. That alone tells you what kind of challenge he presents.

Kewan Lacy is out for this game with an injury, and that could have an impact on the Ole Miss running game. But make no mistake, the Rebels are still a dangerous offensive team when they get rolling.

Oklahoma’s defensive front has to maintain its pass-rush lanes and collapse the pocket. The outside rushers have to do their jobs and keep Chambliss from getting outside. If he is able to slip around the edge or step up through the middle with open grass in front of him, he can hurt you with his legs.

The secondary also has to stay disciplined in coverage. It doesn’t do any good to have pressure up front if the coverage breaks down behind it.

Get Off the Field on Third Down

Another important aspect of this game is third-down defense. Oklahoma has been one of the best teams in the country in defensive third-down efficiency, ranking in the top five nationally. That has been a strength for this defense all season, and it needs to continue Saturday.

Ole Miss has struggled in that area lately, but this is still a good offensive football team. Oklahoma cannot allow the Rebels to keep drives alive. The defense needs to make stops, get off the field, and give the football back to the offense.

That is especially important when you are facing an offense that can put points on the board if you give it enough opportunities.

Oklahoma Has to Take Care of Business

When I look at this matchup, I believe it comes down to execution. Oklahoma needs to continue what it has been working toward offensively, run the football, protect Mateer, and take care of the ball.

Defensively, the Sooners need to contain Chambliss, stay disciplined, and continue doing what they have done so well on third down.

I fully believe Oklahoma can win this football game. But it is going to take a clean performance. The offense has to move the chains and sustain drives, while the defense has to keep Ole Miss from doing the same.

If Oklahoma can do those things, take care of the football, and keep the Ole Miss offense on the sideline, I fully expect the Sooners to come away with a win.