Peach Bowl 2014: Full Preview and Predictions for Ole Miss vs. TCU
What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? We'll find out during the Peach Bowl.
The stout, hard-hitting, top-ranked defense of Ole Miss will attempt to hold up against a potent TCU offense that ranks second in the nation, scoring an average of 46.8 points per game. That narrative alone will make for an extremely compelling game.
However, the Horned Frogs may be coming into this matchup with a bit of a chip on their shoulders.
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They were ranked No. 3 overall by the College Football Playoff selection committee entering Saturday's contest against Iowa State. Well, they did what they were supposed to do and blew out the Cyclones 55-3. Apparently, that wasn't good enough, as TCU dropped to No. 6 overall and missed out on the playoff altogether.
Not everyone always sees eye to eye with ESPN's Skip Bayless, but he does bring up a valid point:
Will the Horned Frogs prove the selection committee made a mistake and defeat Ole Miss, or will the Rebels further establish the SEC's dominance? Let's break it down.
Viewing Information
When: Wednesday, December 31
Where: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Preview and Prediction
Ole Miss began the season strong, winning its first seven games, including a 23-17 victory over Alabama. However, the wheels began to fall off, as the Rebels lost three of their next four games, falling out of contention for the College Football Playoff.
Although, the Rebels did finish the season with a flourish, defeating Mississippi State 31-17 in the Egg Bowl, playing spoiler and ending their in-state rival's playoff hopes. While the win was impressive, the team's offense continued to be underwhelming.
Quarterback Bo Wallace has struggled for much of the season, and things weren't much better against a porous Bulldogs secondary. Wallace completed 13 of his 30 passing attempts for 296 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. Mississippi State is prone to giving up big plays, and the quarterback racked up 168 of those yards on just four plays.
Although, one thing on Wallace's side is his solid history in bowl games. Chase Parham of Rivals.com tweeted the quarterback could enter the Ole Miss record books:
Running back Jaylen Walton rushed 14 times for 148 yards and a score; however, that included a 91-yard scamper.
While 532 yards of offense is certainly impressive, Wallace and Co. may find it tougher to move the ball against an underrated TCU defense that ranks 16th in the nation, allowing an average of just 20.3 points per game.
After all, head coach Gary Patterson is excited for the challenge, via Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee:
Meanwhile, TCU's offense has been extremely dynamic. Quarterback Trevone Boykin has posted some gaudy numbers this season, and he may have saved his best for last, completing 30 of his 41 passing attempts for 460 yards, four touchdowns and one interception against Iowa State. Boykin even scored on a trick play, hauling in a 55-yard reception.
He's been doing that all season long, and that resulted in a new school record, via theScore:
With versatile running back Aaron Green and wide receiver Josh Doctson in the fold, the Horned Frogs have two of the nation's biggest playmakers; however, the team has no shortage of weapons. Against the Cyclones, eight different players received at least one carry and 11 players caught at least one pass. That's a versatile offense.
Of course, TCU won't roll over Ole Miss like they've been able to do against many Big 12 opponents this season. However, the lack of an efficient offense for the Rebels remains a concern against a team that will be able to put up some points. TCU has the edge in this one.
Prediction: TCU 30, Ole Miss 24
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