Ole Miss vs Georgia Tech

December 30th, 2013 at 3:15 ET

Nashville

Ole Miss

Throughout the season, Ole Miss continued to be on the brink of the Top 25 or just barely make the cut for it. Low-key, they were one of the more competitive teams in the nation and gave top tier SEC schools trouble and even beat LSU. The key to their success was their passing attack. Bo Wallace played more efficiently this year and surrendered fewer turnovers than he did last season. His improvements allowed Ole Miss to feed their superb receiving corps, led by Donte Moncrief and LaQuon Treadwell.

Georgia Tech

Few teams run a more peculiar offense than Georgia Tech. Their triple-option offense is a rarity in today’s football generation, but it can be effective. Generally, it wears down opposing defenses and exposes them for gashing runs or unexpected, but rare, passes. Against higher tier opponents, Georgia Tech struggled and lost, but they were competitive. Expect them to be nothing short of competitive against Ole Miss, arguably the toughest opponent they have faced all season long.

Game Matchup

Handling fatigue: Georgia Tech’s offense is both tiresome to operate and to defend. Games with teams who run a triple option often come down to who handles being worn down better. If Ole Miss’ defense can not handle Georgia Tech’s odd offense, Bo Wallace will be pressured into leading Ole Miss to score urgently and often. While Wallace has improved, he will not be able to handle such a task. Ole Miss’ fate lies in the depth and conditioning of their defense.

Attacking Bo Wallace: As stated, Wallace is a middling quarterback. If made uncomfortable, he will crumble under the pressure. Luckily, that plays to Georgia Tech’s strengths. Pass rusher Jeremiah Attaochu has been a dominant force this season. He has recorded 12 sacks, which leads the team by more than double the amount of the sacks from the player behind him (five sacks). Ideally, Attaochu attacks freshman Laremy Tunsil. While Tunsil is talented, he is a freshman nonetheless and the senior pass rusher will take advantage.

Ole Miss, feed the receivers: LaQuon Treadwell and Donte Moncrief are both tall, lanky receivers that are a physical mismatch for most defensive backs. The duo is one of the most lethal receiving tandems in the country and have accounted for nearly 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns combined. Ole Miss will need to find ways to get them the ball, no matter the cost. When those two get their touches, Ole Miss is a scary offense.

Despite Georgia Tech’s rare offense, matchups do not tip in their favor. Ole Miss is a more well rounded team with more playmakers. In the trenches, Ole Miss has the advantage on both sides of the ball and Moncrief and Treadwell will be tough to slow down. Neither team will struggle on offense, but Ole Miss will come out on top.

Prediction: Ole Miss- 38 vs Georgia Tech- 28

Draft impact

Jeremiah Attaochu: In his senior campaign, Attaochu has made strides as a pass rusher and is a better form of himself than he was last season.

He is one the more well rounded pass rushers as he is also a stout and active run defender.

With a final multiple sack performance to end his collegiate career, Attaochu could play himself into the first round, assuming he tests well at the combine.

Donte Moncrief: Whether he declares or not is uncertain, but he may grab scouts attention with a superb bowl game performance and make him feel the urge to declare early. He may end up having to play against Georgia Tech’s cornerback Jemea Thomas, another player who may declare early. The matchup is crucial for both of them.