When Ole Miss takes on Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, it may be one of the most interesting matchups of the bowl season.
 
Why?
 
On paper, the Rebels and the Panthers are very similar, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
 
Points per game: Ole Miss – 30.9, Pittsburgh – 27.4 
 
Total yards per game: Ole Miss – 426.8, Pittsburgh – 400.4 
 
Rush yards per game: Ole Miss – 169.7, Pittsburgh – 137.4 
 
Pass yards per game: Ole Miss – 257.2, Pittsburgh – 263.0 
 
Total turnovers: Ole Miss – 27, Pittsburgh – 8
 
Total sacks allowed: Ole Miss – 33, Pittsburgh – 34
 
3rd-down conversions: Ole Miss – 44%, Pittsburgh – 41%
 
4th-down conversions: Ole Miss – 67%, Pittsburgh – 62%
 
Red zone offense: Ole Miss – 90%, Pittsburgh – 82%
 
The defensive stats favor the Panthers, but both teams have had up and down performances this season. 
 
Opponents points per game: Ole Miss – 28.5, Pittsburgh – 19.7 
 
Opponents total yards per game: Ole Miss – 385.0, Pittsburgh – 325.8 
 
Opponents rush yards per game: Ole Miss – 133.3, Pittsburgh – 129.1 
 
Opponents pass yards per game: Ole Miss – 251.7, Pittsburgh – 196.8
 
Opponents total turnovers: Ole Miss – 26, Pittsburgh – 20
 
Total sacks: Ole Miss – 34, Pittsburgh – 23 
 
Opponents 3rd-down conversions: Ole Miss – 44%, Pittsburgh – 45%
 
Opponents 4th-down conversions: Ole Miss – 44%, Pittsburgh – 54%
 
Opponents Red zone offense: Ole Miss – 77%, Pittsburgh – 78%
 
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