Sugar Bowl Betting Preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Ole Miss Rebels

Still, save for a fluke overtime loss to Arkansas, the Rebels would have played for the SEC championship, although another defeat, this one to Memphis, would probably left them outside the top four.

Oklahoma State will try to bounce back after more recent setbacks. "Even if it's going out or staying in let's make sure the one thing we have on our mind is winning the Sugar Bowl". That leaves the rotation of big fellas pretty bare against a fast-paced offense that ranks 26th in the country with over 77 plays per game.

"We have to game plan for both of them", said Gates, who led the Rebels with 55 tackles this season.

Mason Rudolph ranks 13th nationally with 3,591 passing yards, while J.W. Walsh ranks 36th nationally with 144 points responsible for, despite having only 138 total offense attempts this season (1.04 points per total offense attempt). Jordan Wilkins put up 54 rushing yards and a TD on five carries. It's allowing 388 yards per game and 22.8 points per game.

There's not much to speak on about the Cowboys on defense.

"I can't do it, but he can", said senior cornerback Kevin Peterson.

Beyond those factors, it could be the last game for several highly regarded juniors who are considering entering the draft. The Rebels will be playing without star DT Robert Nkemdiche, who was suspended for the Sugar Bowl after falling out a hotel window in Atlanta earlier this month and being charged with possession of marijuana.... How the unit fares without their key parts will be worth keeping an eye on. The Rebels give up just 23 points a game - that's fewer than anyone OSU's played this year except the Sooners. Look for CB Trae Elston as he will have to matchup with just about every receiver from the Cowboys at different times.

Mike Gundy's team knows it doesn't have the offensive line to move the Rebels by will alone, so if tempo can play a role - either by tiring the Ole Miss defense or catching it out of position - it could be a valuable asset. An up-and-down offense in Ok.

Sports Illustrated's Ben Glicksman, Colin Becht and B.J. Schecter break down the best matchups heading into bowl season.

Chad Kelly leads the Rebels' top-10 passing offense, which is complemented by a superior running game. The total has gone OVER in Oklahoma State's last six games.

Oklahoma State is 7-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Ole Miss has done well on defense this year despite losing five starters off the season opening roster.

Mississippi, 9-3 SU and 7-4-1 ATS, finished second in the SEC West. The Rebels are 6-1 SU in their last seven bowl games. This has the feeling of a roller coaster shootout. RB Jaylen Walton: "We've been preaching that the casinos and women are going to be here, New Orleans is going to be here 10 years from now, but this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime".

In addition to more stability under center and better balance, Ole Miss has the benefit of a unique weapon in Laquon Treadwell on the outside.

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