No. 6-seed Ole Miss hosts No. 11-seed Tulane at 2:30 p.m. today in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Here are three keys to a Rebels win at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Don’t let emotion win
We saw what happened the last time Ole Miss and Tulane played – the Rebels cruised to a 35-point win in what might have been their most complete performance of the season on both sides of the ball. A lot has changed for both teams since then, though – including coaching changes, though Jon Sumrall will still roam the Green Wave’s sidelines through their playoff run. Ole Miss has gone through a lot since the Egg Bowl, culminating in Pete Golding being named the Rebels’ head coach on Nov. 30. Emotions will be high for the first CFP game in program history; you’d have to imagine there’s a lot of pent-up energy. Don’t let that get the best of you.
Let Chambliss cook
The last time these two teams played, senior Trinidad Chambliss was making just his second FBS start. He threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 112 yards. Somewhat surprisingly, Tulane’s defense has been susceptible to the pass all season. The Green Wave rank 121st nationally with 255.2 passing yards per game allowed, though they have nabbed 15 interceptions. Chambliss has thrown just three interceptions this season and has generally done a good job keeping the ball out of harm’s way while still pushing it down the field. Let Chambliss throw as much as needed; teams have had success against Tulane doing so, with the Green Wave having allowed five 300-yard passers.
Don’t let Ratzlaff be the difference maker
Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff had a forgettable day at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium three months ago, completing 5 of 17 passes for 56 yards. He did, however, run for 51 yards on eight carries. Retzlaff averages 220.2 passing yards per game and has 14 touchdown passes; he has 610 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, the latter of which is tied for the most among FBS quarterbacks. Retzlaff has been a gamebreaker as both a passer and runner at various points this season. Keeping him in check in both aspects is likely the Rebels’ best chance at slowing the Green Wave’s offense down.
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