Ole Miss's Upset Win Over Oklahoma: Josh Pate Breaks Down the Game

Ole Miss's Upset Victory

• 🎯 Ole Miss defeated Oklahoma 34-26, a result that surprised the host, who had doubted Lane Kiffin's ability to win this game.
• 💡 The game was a significant gut-check moment for Ole Miss, who successfully targeted and exploited Oklahoma's secondary.
• 🔑 Kiwan Lacy's rushing performance was noted, with 78 yards on 27 carries, despite the low yards per carry average, he didn't appear to be stuffed.

Oklahoma's Offensive Struggles

• 📉 Oklahoma's offense was described as hollow, heavily relying on two explosive plays (a 76-yard and a 65-yard touchdown pass and run) for yardage.
• ⚠️ Outside of these explosives, Oklahoma's offense was largely ineffective, managing only 14 first downs and going 5-of-17 on third and fourth downs.
• 🤕 John Matir's performance was subpar, with his passing numbers tailing off, potentially due to recent surgery on his throwing hand.

Factors Favoring Oklahoma (and why they didn't pan out)

• 🚗 Ole Miss was in a tough road spot, playing the second leg of back-to-back road games.
• 📰 Rumors surrounding Lane Kiffin's potential departure and the team's lack of a ranked road win under him were considered factors.
• 🥵 Defensive line fatigue was anticipated, with many players having logged over 80 snaps the previous week, suggesting Oklahoma would dominate the second half, which did not happen.

Ole Miss's Playoff Outlook

• 🌟 Ole Miss is now a one-loss team (their only loss to Georgia) and has a favorable remaining schedule.
• 📈 They are expected to be favored in their upcoming games against South Carolina, Citadel, Florida, and at Mississippi State.
• 🏆 With a one-loss record and a manageable schedule, Ole Miss appears to be in a strong position to make the playoff.

Brent Venables and Oklahoma's Future

• ⚠️ Brent Venables is not recommended for firing despite Oklahoma becoming a two-loss team.
• 🔮 The team is predicted to finish 8-4, which is not considered a disaster coming off the previous year.
• 🛠️ While some position coach changes might occur, wholesale changes are deemed unnecessary at this time.