Mississippi State football enters their Rivalry Week showdown with the No. 7 Ole Miss Rebels hunting for a sixth win to reach bowl-eligibility. How can the Bulldogs secure a trip to the postseason while spoiling their rival's season in the Egg Bowl? Here are three keys to victory...
Mississippi State needs to capitalize on the distraction Lane Kiffin has created at Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin's public flirtation with LSU and Florida and his refusal to give Ole Miss any sort of answer as to what he intends to do following the Egg Bowl has hung over Oxford for multiple weeks. It's undoubtedly had an impact on the locker room, and that means it could easily have an impact on the game. Despite high stakes for the Rebels, they may not be fully locked in for this one, and that gives Mississippi State a chance to gain an edge on Friday. If the Bulldogs can be the more focused team and give the better effort their chances at a win increase dramatically.
The Bulldogs need a strong day running the football
The Ole Miss defense can be exploited on the ground, as they've allowed a sack-adjusted 153 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile State's offense has been at its best when they've managed to get their run game going for consistent solid gains. That's especially true considering how hard it is for the Bulldogs to have success throwing the ball thanks to their awful pass protection. Ole Miss isn't going to want to allow easy scores to MSU's speedy WRs. They'll likely present State with favorable looks to run. The Bulldogs RBs need to have a big day, and don't count out QB Kamario Taylor as an X-factor.
The Mississippi State defense needs to thrive in the redzone
The Ole Miss offense is fantastic in nearly every facet, but there is one thing that stands out as a potential weakness. In SEC play, they've turned just 58% of redzone trips into touchdowns. They'll move the ball into the redzone and usually come away with points. But putting six on the board has not been automatic in those spots. That's where MSU needs to shine defensively. Rather than playing aggressively and risk giving up explosive plays, the Bulldogs should take more of a bend, don't break approach. Force Ole Miss to sustain long drives, and when they get in the redzone, hold them to field goals. You're unlikely to shut down their offense, but this approach, if executed, would limit them.