From Ole Miss Rebels On SI · · 2m
Texas Third-Down Struggles Give Ole Miss Defense Edge
Ole Miss defense targets Texas' third-down weakness for potential road win.
In brief
Ole Miss defense targets Texas' third-down weakness for potential road win. Ole Miss can exploit Texas' 20.8% third-down conversion rate to force turnovers and control possession against the Longhorns. Originally reported by Ole Miss Rebels On SI.
Texas Longhorns Struggle
Texas has lost consecutive games to Oklahoma and Florida, falling from top national rankings to No. 19.
Third-Down Conversion Rate
Texas converted only eight of their last 36 third-down attempts, a 22.2% success rate.
Ole Miss Defense Opportunity
Ole Miss has the defensive personnel to pressure Texas quarterback Arch Manning and force difficult passing situations.
Quarterback Situation
Backup quarterback KJ Lacey gets more first-team reps after Manning's struggles in the 27-24 loss to Florida.
Manning's Performance
Manning has thrown for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions through six games.
Texas Ball Control
Texas held the ball for just 21 minutes and 49 seconds against Florida, while Gators controlled possession for 38 minutes and 11 seconds.
Ole Miss Defense Strategy
Ole Miss can win first down, limit Texas' rushing production and force obvious passing situations.
Defensive Personnel
Will Echoles, Suntarine Perkins and Luke Ferrelli will play major roles in Ole Miss' defensive game plan.
Echoles' Impact
Echoles disrupts the pocket with 18 tackles and 1.5 sacks through six games.
Perkins' Flexibility
Perkins creates pressure from different angles with 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season.
Ferrelli's Production
Ferrelli leads Ole Miss with 39 tackles, adding 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Third-Down Advantage
Ole Miss converted 34 of 72 third-down opportunities offensively, a 47.2% rate.
Missouri Game
Ole Miss' defense held Missouri to six conversions on 17 third-down attempts, allowing only 39 rushing yards.
Key to Victory
Ole Miss must limit early-down gains to create pressure and finish third-down stops against Texas.
Game Outcome
If Ole Miss wins on early downs, generates pressure and finishes third-down stops, they can control possession and put Texas in an uncomfortable position.
The bottom line
Ole Miss can exploit Texas' 20.8% third-down conversion rate to force turnovers and control possession against the Longhorns.
