As the Rebels prepare for their week two game against the Wofford Terriers, sports editor Brian Scott Rippee and assistant sports editor Cody Thomason broke down four important questions for Saturday’s matchup.
1. With depth at running back behind Akeem Judd severely thinned, who steps up against Wofford?
Sports Editor Brian Scott Rippee: D’Vaughn Pennamon will get his chance quicker than probably he anticipated. Freeze said earlier this week that the chances of him redshirting are gone and he will see action on Saturday. He was a prized recruit in this 2016 class and he’s been thrown into the spotlight to a degree. How he handles it will be interesting to see.
Assistant Sports Editor Cody Thomason: I think true freshman D’Vaughn Pennamon shows out in his first action as a Rebel. Pennamon was previously a redshirt candidate, but now that injuries have forced him into the rotation, I expect good things. Pennamon has impressive power and Wofford is a good matchup to introduce him to the speed of the next level.
2. What will be the key for the Rebels to stop Wofford’s triple option?
BR: As Dave Wommack said in practice on Wednesday, it’s all about the eyes and keeping your eyes in the right spot. The triple option has a bunch of wrinkles to it and a lot of motion. Ole Miss will need to be disciplined in its approach. If not, this offense can bite even the most talented of defenses.
CT: The defensive line has to step up once again. They were unquestionably the best part of the Rebel defense in week one, and the defensive tackle position looked especially explosive and deep. If the Rebels can collapse the middle often against the Terriers, they should be able to significantly slow their triple option.
CT: I think there’s a good chance Patterson uses all four years of eligibility at Ole Miss. The Rebels can play Jason Pellerin as the second quarterback, and while Patterson would miss game experience, the extra year he would gain would be invaluable. Unless the coaches feel Patterson will leave school early or do not feel comfortable with their other quarterbacks, redshirting Patterson would be a smart move.
4. What does the Ole Miss offense need to do to get back on track?
BR: Really, it’s get healthy and get some experience defensively. The secondary will get better as the season goes on and it gets acclimated. The bottom line is that it lost to a very good team on Monday night. If it can get healthy, it still has everything to play for.
CT: The Rebel offense has to maintain balance and establish a strong running game, which is easier said than done with the inexperience of the running backs and the offensive line still coming together. The Rebels relied too much on the pass last game, and if they can set up a good ground game they should have more open space through the air as well.
