Ole Miss Rebels

Rebels will be down a number of defenders for the Sugar Bowl

Published Dec. 7, 2015 6:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

The good news is Ole Miss has qualified for its second consecutive New Year's Six Bowl, the bad news is the defense will likely be missing several key players for the game.

Defensive back Tony Connor and defensive end Fadol Brown have both opted to have surgery and will miss the bowl game against Oklahoma State, according to head coach Hugh Freeze.

The news is the latest disappointment for Connor, as the defensive back entered the season with high hopes and had been projected by many as a possible first round NFL Draft pick. After tearing his meniscus in the win over Alabama, Connor only appeared in one game after the injury.

Freeze also indicated senior linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche would also likely miss the Sugar Bowl. The senior missed the final two games of the regular season after an undisclosed illness sent him to the ICU.