Greg McElroy outlines blueprint for Oklahoma to defend Trinidad Chambliss
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If football games were like hockey matchups, Ole Miss would have had a perfect offensive day at Georgia in Week 8. Unfortunately, there are 4 quarters to navigate on the gridiron.
The Rebels may have fallen short against the Bulldogs because of that final quarter, but their offensive performance through 3 “periods” — 355 total yards and 35 points on 5 drives — in such a tough environment will have the Oklahoma Sooners on notice ahead of their Week 9 matchup.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy will be on the broadcast for the top 13 clash, so he didn’t make a pick for the game like he usually would on his Always College Football podcast.
However, he did still break the game down, pointing out the “contrasting philosophies” of each side. McElroy believes Oklahoma’s defense, “without question,” will be the “toughest test” Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will battle this year. And he’s worried that the struggles that Chambliss had in the fourth quarter last weekend could allow the Sooners to expose him.
“Can Trinidad Chambliss maintain his poise when facing the level of sustained pressure that he’s probably going to face in this game? His performance in the fourth quarter against Georgia last week was not what you want,” McElroy said. “It was kind of a cautionary tale and a possible blueprint for Oklahoma to potentially apply.
“That was the first time in his tenure as the starter where he’s looked a little bit human.
Chambliss completed just 1 of his 10 pass attempts in the fourth quarter versus Georgia. According to Pro Football Focus, he was 0-of-4 passing when pressured against the Bulldogs.
However, for the season, his PFF grade when under pressure (79.3) is higher than his grade in clean pockets (74.5).
Oklahoma’s defense is a different beast, though, than most of the units Chambliss has seen in his Ole Miss tenure. Kickoff between the Rebels and Sooners is set for Saturday at noon ET on ABC. OU is a 5.5-point favorite, per BetMGM.
