Robert George, sports writer for The George-Anne, joins The Daily Mississippian sports editor Brian Scott Rippee to discuss this week’s game.
It seems there has been a little bit of a drop off from last year to this year. What’s been the biggest difference since Tyson Summers took over for Willie Fritz?
RG: For one, the offense has regressed. The Eagles averaged about 35 points per game last season but have put up about 26 points per game so far this season. They’re not running with the same efficiency as last season, either, and the explosive plays in the running game have all but disappeared.
What has been Georgia Southern’s biggest strength this season offensively, and what has been its biggest weakness?
RG: On offense it’s been our kicker, Younghoe Koo. He’s a perfect 14-14 on field goals this season and was just named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award. The weakness has been the lack of a consistent running game, something in which Georgia Southern usually excels.
What is a matchup defensively in which you think Georgia Southern might have an advantage?
RG: Ukeme Eligwe has been a monster at linebacker this season. He’s a Florida State transfer, and his extreme talent has been evident in every game this season. He’s been the playmaker for the defense and should have a chance to make some more big plays against a pass-happy Ole Miss squad.
If there is one key that makes this option attack function well, what is it?
RG: When it is working, it’s because of the experienced quarterbacks we have and the gifted running backs. Seniors Kevin Ellison and Favian Upshaw have put up big numbers the past few seasons at the helm, and Matt Breida, L.A. Ramsby and Wesley Fields form a backfield that is as talented as anyone in the country. Unfortunately, the option hasn’t really found its rhythm this season.
Ole Miss has faced some really good running backs this year, and Matt Breida is another good one. What makes him so special?
RG: Breida is a workhorse, and has top-end speed to go along with a strong frame. He’s not a big guy, but he’s also not afraid to run between the tackles and pick up tough yards. His real talent, however, shows when he gets into the open field. He’ll be looking to get in the end zone after finding it just three times so far this season.
Prediction?
RG: I think Ole Miss will win this one 42-17.
Ole Miss is sitting at 3-5 on the season and completely out of the picture in the SEC West. What’s the goal now for this team?
BSR: I’ll keep it pretty simple: get healthy and make a bowl. Ole Miss has been decimated with injuries during this disappointing stretch just about everywhere, but particularly on the offensive line. As you alluded to, the Rebels are 3-5. A road trip to College Station looms next week, and the Vanderbilt game the week after in Nashville will be tricky. The Commodore defense is very good, and Ralph Webb is an underrated running back. Ole Miss has got to find a way to win three of its next four to get bowl eligible for the sake of momentum, as well as the couple of extra weeks of practice that come with that. It will benefit some of its younger players, particularly on the defensive side of the football, greatly.
What’s led to the 3-5 record? Is it just a tough schedule or is there more to it?
BSR: Ole Miss has had a ridiculously tough schedule. It can’t stop the run. Its secondary is young, and it has been hit with a lot of injuries. After the Rebels fell to Auburn last week, Hugh Freeze said that he had told someone close to him before the season started that he had concerns about his defense. His fears came to fruition. That’s the simple reality with which Ole Miss is faced.
Chad Kelly has a lot of experience and has accomplished a lot in his career. How do you think he’ll be remembered after he’s graduated?
BSR: I would like to think that he will be remembered as a guy that was asked to do a ton in the offense and answered the call about as well as anyone could. Kelly is what makes this offense go. He’s very versatile and has made play after play for the Rebels while lighting up the record books in his two-year career here. He’s one of the best Ole Miss has ever had under center and should be remembered as such.
How has Ole Miss been preparing for Georgia Southern’s offense?
BSR: Freeze and the staff have remained relatively tight-lipped about it, but the main thing is trying to prepare for the vast number of different looks that this option attack gives on every play. Ole Miss played Wofford earlier in the year, and it ran the triple option. Freeze said this is the shotgun version of that offense but also said it is very different. It will be a tough task for a team that has had fits trying to stop the run this year.
Who on Ole Miss has a chance to shine in Saturday’s matchup?
BSR: I’m going to say middle linebacker Rommel Mageo. He’s a senior that transferred in from Oregon State, and while he has contributed, it seems as if he has never found his footing in this defense. Ole Miss has been desperately searching for answers at linebacker, and it has been a revolving door all year. Through injuries and other things, Mageo is drawing the start this week and has a chance to have a big game.
What’s your score prediction for this game?
BSR: Ole Miss can exhale after a bad month of October with a 48-24 win.
