Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss Football: Three Keys to Beating Georgia

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 22, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs 83 yards for a touchdown against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss is looking for it’s first win over Georgia since 1996. Here are three keys for the Rebels to end that streak.

Ole Miss football is off to a slow start losing to two of the strongest teams in college football. The Rebels now need to bounce back against Georgia to try to make a run towards the end of the season. On paper, the Rebels appear to have the edge against Georgia. However, games aren’t won on paper and Ole Miss must execute against a very good team to come out with a win on Saturday.

Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Stopping the run will be critical against Georgia. The Bulldogs will be starting true freshman Jacob Eason, and it will be critical to force him to be behind the chains all day. While Nick Chubb did run for 222 yards against North Carolina in the season opener, he has been held in check in the last two games. Sony Michel is also a big piece of the run game and has been coming off an injury. Alabama ran for 334 yards on the Ole Miss defense, a repeat performance by Georgia and the Rebels will be in trouble.

Oct 18, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) is tackled by Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (27) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Mississippi Rebels defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned previously, Georgia will be starting true freshman Jacob Eason. He will be making his second career road start in as many weeks. Eason has looked comfortable when given time to make his reads and throws with time. It will be up to Marquis Haynes, Breeland Speaks, Isaac Gross, D.J. Jones and company to make sure he is uncomfortable in the pocket.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) sacks Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) and forces a fumble during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It will be critical for Ole Miss to give Chad Kelly time against Georgia. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock was able to throw for 376 yards against the Bulldogs last week. One would think Kelly would have success against the Georgia secondary after throwing for 421 yards versus Alabama. If Ole Miss can get the offense rolling, it could be a tough climb for Georgia to come back, unlike it was for Florida State and Alabama.