Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss vs. Arkansas: Three Keys to Beating the 'Hogs

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

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Oct 1, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Eugene Brazley (23) runs the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Memphis Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss is looking to beat Arkansas for the first time since 2013. What are the keys to make sure the Rebels get the win?

Ole Miss is coming off a bye week at 3-2 and traveling to Fayetteville to face Arkansas. The Razorbacks lost to Alabama by a score of 49-30. This might be a good time to face the ‘Hogs since teams normally struggle the week after playing Alabama.

So what are they keys for Ole Miss to come out of Fayetteville with a win for the first time since 2008? Find out here

Oct 1, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) drops back in the pocket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Memphis Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Like most teams, Ole Miss strives when it is able to hold onto the football. The Rebels were rolling in the first half against Florida State and Alabama by holding onto the ball. Those games went down hill when the offense turned it over and allowed the defense to be on the field for too long.

It is hard for me to believe Arkansas can consistently stop Ole Miss in this game unless the Rebels are turning the ball over. This is the most crucial aspect of the game from an Ole Miss standpoint.

Sep 6, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) looks to pass defended by Nicholls State Colonels linebacker John Williamson (44) at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Nicholls State 73-7. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Brandon Allen threw for over 440 yards and six touchdowns in a 53-52 double overtime win for Arkansas. If Ole Miss wants to have a chance to win, they will need to slow down the Razorbacks’ passing attack.

Arkansas lost tight end Hunter Henry, but Jeremy Sprinkle will be a tough match up for the Ole Miss secondary. The ‘Hogs have not been as good at running the football this season as they have in previous seasons. It seems as if the strength of the Arkansas offense has evolved into the pass under Bret Bielema, so the Rebels’ secondary will need to make some stops.

Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Breeland Speaks (9) celebrates after a goal line stand during the fourth quarter of the game against the LSU Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest weakness of Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen this season has been making poor decisions with the football. The defensive lines of Texas A&M and Alabama were able to get pressure on Allen and force him to make poor throws in the two losses.

This should be a good sign for Ole Miss since the defensive line is the strength of the defense. Arkansas’ offensive line has struggled mightily protecting Allen and it is an area Ole Miss should take advantage of on Saturday night.