5 players who must step up for Ole Miss to beat TCU
In what is arguably the most anticipated matchup of the bowl season, Ole Miss and TCU square off in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 31 in Atlanta.
Both teams look to cap of program-defining seasons with a win, while establishing themselves among the game’s elite.
With game week upon us, Saturday Down South takes a look at six Ole Miss players who need to step up in order for the Rebels to win.
Jaylen Walton/Jordan Wilkins: Walton and Wilkins are categorized together, because the two make up the Ole Miss run game, and the Rebels need to establish their ground game to be successful agains a good TCU defense. Ole Miss averaged close to 170 rushing yards per game in 2014, but often lacked the ability to produce explosive plays on the ground. That changed during the season finale against Mississippi State, and the result was the Rebels’ most complete offensive performance of the year.
Cody Core: Since the loss of wide receivers Laquon Treadwell and Vince Sanders, only tight end Evan Engram has had a pulse in the Ole Miss receiving game. Core — a big, athletic wideout — needs a big game in Atlanta on New Year’s Eve. Core averaged 44.2 receiving yards per game, but if he can manage a more productive evening than that against the Horned Frogs, head coach Hugh Freeze will have more freedom in his play calls and quarterback Bo Wallace can be a better distributer.
Senquez Golson: The Rebels’ defense faces its toughest test of the season in a TCU offense averaging more than 45 points per game. Quarterback Trevone Boykin is the centerpiece of the offense, and he’s confident under center. Golson needs to make plays on the ball in order to rein Boykin and not let the Horned Frogs’ signal-caller sling it all over the Georgia Dome. The senior defensive back was quiet through the back end of the schedule, however, the Peach Bowl would be an opportune time for Golson to do what he does best: create takeaways.
Bo Wallace: The senior needs to be good in his final game as an Ole Miss Rebel. Wallace was hampered by an ankle injury through the last couple regular season games, but has had time to let that heal. The junior college transfer should be healthy enough to extend plays with his legs. It’s critical, however, that Wallace protect the football and make good decisions. The TCU defense led the Big 12 in interceptions and can lull opposing quarterbacks to sleep. If Ole Miss has any chance to win, it will be because Wallace is efficient and turnover free.
Will Gleeson: Field position will be an important key to the game between the Rebels and Horned Frogs. Ole Miss’ defense can allow some yards between the 20s, but are best inside the 20-yard lines. Gleeson has downed 23 punts inside the 20-yard line this season, and has often set up his team with favorable field position. If TCU gets a lot of possessions in plus-territory, it could make for a long night for the Rebels.