Across The Ball: Three key matchups for Georgia-Ole Miss

Here are three matchups to watch for Georgia as it enters Saturday’s game against Ole Miss.

Georgia’s defense vs. Ole Miss’ explosive plays

This obviously isn’t a specific position group but the Bulldogs must make the Rebels work for their yards. A year ago, Jaxson Dart and company had their way against the Georgia defense. This year, the Rebels are just as explosive. They rank sixth nationally with 43 plays of 20-plus yards, first nationally with 23 plays of 30-plus yards and are tied for fifth nationally with 12 plays of 50-plus yards.

Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy ranks second in the SEC with 587 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The Rebels also have a trio of receiving playmakers in Harrison Wallace III, Dae’Quan Wright and Deuce Alexander. However, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss didn’t have his best performance in a 24-21 win over Washington State, which has left the door open for Austin Simmons to reclaim the starting job if cleared to go.

Whichever quarterback is out there, you can bet Ole Miss will look to push the ball down the field and with tempo. Georgia better be ready to do whatever it can to slow down the offense and get off the field on third down.

Georgia’s rushing attack vs. Ole Miss’ front seven

The Bulldogs had a tough day running the ball against a stout Auburn run defense. The Rebels, conversely, haven’t been as strong against the run. Ole Miss ranks 14th in the SEC by allowing 157.7 rushing yards per game. This should be an area offensive coordinator Mike Bobo highlights when preparing his game-plan.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Bulldogs will have running back Chauncey Bowens available. Bowens played sparingly against Auburn due to a calf injury. Whether Bowens is available or not, the other running backs — Nate Frazier, Josh McCray and Cash Jones — should have some opportunities to break some big gains.

The Rebels have limited opponents to 180 passing yards per game, meaning the Bulldogs will need to take advantage of this matchup on the ground.

Georgia’s offensive line vs. Ole Miss’ pass rush

Despite injuries and being forced to play different groupings throughout the year, the Bulldogs have done a good job in protecting Gunner Stockton. This will need to continue in what could be a close game for four quarters.

Last year, the Rebels sacked Carson Beck five times. Stockton is obviously much more mobile than Beck and that certainly helps. But Ole Miss also has only nine sacks this year, which figures to bode well for Georgia when it needs to drop back to pass.

If Georgia can continue to hold up against the pass rush, Georgia’s offense will be in position to be successful on Saturday.

ICYMI

Georgia’s physicality separates it from some of the other top teams in the nation.

Stockton needs to cut it loose.

Georgia’s offensive line shows guts.

Kirby Smart holds his ground on the non-timeout call.

Tougher challenges await Georgia’s defense.