As Tulane prepares for its first-ever College Football Playoff game against Ole Miss, here are a few Rebels defenders to watch heading into the gridiron showdown.
The Ole Miss Rebels have had a steady defensive performance all season, and with former defense coordinator Pete Golding now leading the team as its new head coach, there could be a very different side to the unit that shows up on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Tulane Green Wave is looking to improve upon its 45-10 loss in its first contest against the Rebels that occurred way back in September. It won't be an easy task, but the Green Wave has shown that it can move the ball against some tough defenses.
With that being said, here's a look at which Ole Miss defensive standouts will make the biggest difference for their team on Saturday.
1. DE Princewell Umanmielen
Umanmielen has made his mark on the defensive line with a consistent performance in his nine games played. Honestly, it's a bit of a shock that his name isn't being mentioned more.
The junior has a team-high 6.5 sacks on the year to go along with 32 total tackles and one interception. Umanmielen is not necessarily the biggest, strongest lineman on the field, but he gives it his all. He's the player that you might not think of first when you think of the Rebels defense, but he's going to be causing chaos down on the field.
Umanmielen is primed for a career day on Saturday. He's come close to greatness a few times this season, and this upcoming game with everything at stake could be exactly what he needs to reach a new level.
2. S Wydett Williams Jr.
Williams is a leader in the Ole Miss secondary, with a team-high three interceptions and eight passes defended to go along with 55 total tackles.
He's done a bit of everything for the team and has emerged as one of the better safeties in the SEC. With Tulane's ability to successfully attack both on the ground and through the air, Williams will have his work cut out for him -- but he hasn't backed down from competition.
On top of this, Williams is another Rebels standout who has been consistent all season long. He's had very few, if any, bad outings.
3. LBs TJ Dottery and Suntarine Perkins
Dottery and Perkins are an elite 1-2 punch, and both have led the way for Ole Miss this season.
Dottery has 77 total tackles to Perkins' 64, and Perkins has a pair of sacks to Dottery's 0.5 sacks. Both have forced a fumble, and Perkins has added an interception. All this to say, they're arguably one of the best linebacker duos in the entire nation.
Both defenders will certainly have their work cut out for them against Tulane -- a team that did manage to find some late momentum in moving the ball in the first matchup between the teams. However, with their field awareness and unmatched athleticism, it'll be equally as challenging for the Green Wave offense to pick up big gains against them.