Top Storylines to follow against Ole Miss
COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M will hit the road for the first time in conference play this season. The Aggies (3-3, 1-2 SEC), hope to find a winning pattern when they take on the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday night.
The production of A&M's offense has been present over the past several games. Despite a red-zone interception in the Southwest Classic, Kellen Mond has impressed thanks to his dual-threat ability. The team is hoping that an established run game could add another element to Jimbo Fisher's success.
The Rebels have shined on the ground thanks to their impressive backfield. The team currently is the top rushing offense in the SEC, predominately seeing success from their quarterbacks. Fisher believes that while stopping the run will be vital, the Aggies must prepare for the aerial attack.
"You say a run team, but they still throw it," Fisher said Monday at his weekly press conference. "They still make plays and I mean you see them throw a couple hundred yards a game and they make enough plays that way."
Here's everything you need to know about the Rebels come Saturday.
Dual-Threat Duo
Ole Miss is led by former Michigan and Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez out in Oxford. Despite Matt Luke starting Matt Corral to begin the season under center, that's no longer the case thanks to his other freshman signal'-callers success.
Following a shoulder injury, John Rhys Plumlee picked up the pieces and helped the Rebels pick up a victory over struggling Vanderbilt. More known for his open-field speed rather than his arm, the Hattiesburg product currently ranks second in rushing with 470 yards.
Both quarterbacks can throw the ball as well. With Corral missing two games, the two have each thrown four touchdowns and one interception on the year. Fisher is also sure that Rodriguez will try to trick Mike Elko's squad by allowing their primary running quarterback to throw the ball.
With the ability to win in multiple fashions, A&M will need to prepare for both quarterbacks equally. The team cannot afford to allow a big play through the air due to being tricked by the man under center.
Run It Up
No matter how much the team will prepare for footballs flying through the air, the Rebels are dominantly a run team. Leading the conference with 1,610 yards, Ole Miss will prepare to run the ball down A&M's throats.
In four games against SEC opponents, the Rebels have averaged 283.2 rushing yards per game. Scottie Phillips currently leads the way with 471 yards and five touchdowns. But it's Jerrion Ealy who could be the difference-maker for Ole Miss Saturday. The freshman runner is averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
A&M's front seven will need to eliminate the run game. Some first downs will come, but allow big plays into the final line of defense could lead to trouble. Forcing the Rebels to win through the air might be the best plan of attack.
Young Talent Ahead
Many around the SEC speak of the promising production for A&M freshmen core. The same could be said about the roster at Vaught- Hemmingway. Depending on if he remains the man in charge, Luke could have a promising season soon with several stars.
Both Corral and Rhys Plumlee are freshmen, as is the shifty Ealy. Jonathan Mingo is currently second in receptions with nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. Demarcus Gregory has also played a significant role in Corral's development as a passer.
With young talent comes rookie mistakes. This is a spot where the Aggies could capitalize on poor throws downfield and miscommunication on offense. Allowing a more youthful roster to defeat a talented defense won't cut on Saturday for A&M fans.
Attack Through The Air
The Rebels secondary has been their weak link on defense this year. The team is currently allowing roughly 300 passing yards per game, ranked 121st in the country. In all four SEC matchups, the team has allowed an average of 312.3 yards through the air.
While this could be a problem for the Rebels, it's a blessing for the Aggies. The team has struggled to find an established run game this season due to the loss of sophomore running back Jashaun Corbin back against Clemson. Kellen Mond has also produced through the air over his past two games, throwing for 515 yards and five touchdowns.
The Aggies will need to take advantage of a struggling secondary early. With the chance of Ole Miss' offense to put up points late, scoring as often as possible to stay ahead will be vital for A&M. This could also be a confidence booster for Mond, who hopes to continue to grow following a strong outing against Alabama.
