Mississippi and Oklahoma both faced disappointing losses, but the ways they lost were quite different.
The 18th-ranked Rebels (5-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) head into Saturday’s game having lost two of their last three matches, each by just a field goal. In contrast, the Sooners (4-3, 1-3) have lost three out of four, including two straight heavy defeats that led to a change in their offensive coordinator.
Ole Miss still has hopes of making the newly expanded College Football Playoff, but they have no room for mistakes after a 29-26 overtime loss to No. 8 LSU and a 20-17 loss to Kentucky.
“We’re just going to get ready to bounce back this week and go out there and play a dominant game against Oklahoma,” said Rebels linebacker Chris Paul Jr.
The Sooners are looking to revive their offense with a second change at starting quarterback and the firing of their offensive coordinator. Coach Brent Venables let go of Seth Littrell the day after a 35-9 loss to South Carolina, with the offense ranking last in the SEC, averaging 288.1 yards per game.
This came after a 34-3 defeat to then-No. 1 Texas.
Venables was clear in his criticism, saying the Sooners have “been an abomination on offense this year.”
Co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley will take on the role of primary play caller, facing a tough challenge. The Rebels have the top rush defense in the nation, allowing just 66.6 yards a game, and they rank second in scoring defense, giving up only 10.6 points per game.
“One of the most dominant defenses in all of college football this year,” Venables said, calling them “very disruptive, very well coached, disciplined.”
