No. 21 Ole Miss opens its 2025 season at home against Georgia State on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. Here are three keys to a Rebels win over the Panthers.
Get Simmons comfortable
Redshirt sophomore Austin Simmons is making his first-career start. Yes, we’ve seen him in action before – his heroics against No.3 Georgia a season ago put him on the map – but giving him some high-percentage throws early wouldn’t be the worst idea. Odds are that Ole Miss’ wide receivers are going to get good looks; while Georgia State’s 208.3 passing yards per game allowed last season ranked 48th nationally, the Panthers allowed 272 passing yards per game in two matchups against Power Four teams. Georgia State’s defense allowed opposing passers to complete 63.2% of their passes, tied for 102nd nationally. Getting Simmons in a rhythm early is going to produce touchdowns, and easy completions will allow the Rebels’ talented receivers to make plays in space.
Run, run, run
Every year is its own battle, but Georgia State had one of the worst rush defenses in college football a year ago. The Panthers gave up 210.3 yards per game, tied for 122nd nationally. Just one of Georgia State’s opponents failed to rush for at least 110 yards, and five ran for 260 yards or more.
Ole Miss’ struggles to run the ball last year were well documented. Getting the Rebels’ new stable of running backs touches – and potentially figuring out a rotation heading into Week 2 at Kentucky – will prove beneficial. A good run game is a quarterback’s best friend, especially a young one.
Take care of business and don’t leave the game hanging in the balance
Ole Miss is favored by nearly 40 points for a reason. The Rebels shouldn’t have much of an issue getting to 1-0. That being said, this is a Georgia State team that knocked off Vanderbilt last season (yes, the same Vanderbilt that knocked off Alabama). The longer the Panthers hang around, the more confident they are likely to be. Taking the wind out of their sails early can allow backups to play and the focus to turn to a crucial matchup in Lexington, Kentucky next weekend.
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