UA vs. Ole Miss: 4 keys to success (Preview)

The Arkansas-Ole Miss game is scheduled for an 11:21 a.m. Central kickoff and will be televised by the SEC Network.

Hawgs247 takes a look at four things Arkansas (3-4, 2-2 SEC) needs to get right in today's 11:21 a.m. Central game against Ole Miss (4-3, 1-2) at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

1. Put pressure on Wallace The Razorbacks have found out they’re a better team when they get after the quarterback, and we expect defensive coordinator Paul Haynes to turn them loose as much as he's able to today. Conversely, Ole Miss has found out it’s a better team when sophomore QB Bo Wallace isn’t making bad decisions. He’s thrown eight picks this season, and the Rebels have given up 19 sacks.

2. Remain disciplined on D Specifically, the Hogs need to stay in their gaps, read their keys and don’t bite on play-action. Ole Miss’ Spread-option has the Rebels ranked fourth in the SEC in rushing, and playing assignment football vs. that option is a must. Wallace isn’t a burner, but he can make plays with his feet, and undersized running back Jeff Scott is no joke. Scott is a threat to go the distance at any time.

3. As always, protect the passer The last time Tyler Wilson played in Little Rock, he spent the night in the hospital. He seems to be getting rid of the ball a little quicker since than concussion he suffered Sept. 8 vs. Louisiana-Monroe, but he’ll need to keep doing that against Rebels defensive coordinator Dave Wommack’s unit. Wommack, the former UA assistant, has a reputation for dialing up numerous blitzes in numerous ways. The last thing the Hogs need is to see Wilson knocked out of another game, and pressure on the QB also leads to turnovers.

4. Control the clock Ole Miss’ hurry-up, no-huddle scheme goes fast – really fast, and this game seems destined to be a shootout. But the Razorbacks’ ground game has shown signs of improvement, and keeping Ole Miss’ offense off the field – while giving the Hogs’ defensive players a breather – could pay dividends. The Rebels have been susceptible to the run (see Texas, Texas A&M). We hate to keep going back to ULM, but in that game, the Razorbacks’ inability or unwillingness to run the ball late proved very costly. Show the Rebels, and the Rock, that you can run when you need to.