Sugar Bowl 2016: Individual Matchups to Watch in Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss

Ole Miss and Oklahoma State are slated to engage in a New Year's Day shootout at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, which means the offensive stars should come out to play. 

From Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell to Cowboys quarterback J.W. Walsh and several intriguing prospects in between, the star power on the fast track in Louisiana shouldn't disappoint. 

But before breaking down the best individual matchups of what figures to be a compelling Sugar Bowl showdown, here's a look at when and where you can catch all the action. 

Date: Jan. 1

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Laquon Treadwell vs. Kevin Peterson

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Treadwell is arguably the nation's most polished receiver, and he'll have a chance to boost his NFL draft stock even higher with a performance against heralded Oklahoma State cornerback Kevin Peterson. 

A junior, Treadwell hauled in 76 passes for 1,082 yards and eight touchdowns—several of which came via spectacular downfield playmaking. 

However, he'll face a tall task against Peterson. An All-Big 12 selection, Peterson has solidified his spot as the stabilizing force in the Cowboys' secondary as he gets ready to suit up in orange and black for the final time. 

"I always want to guard the best receiver," Peterson said, per the Oklahoman's Kyle Fredrickson. "I always want to do the best I can against their best. It's always fun to go against a high-caliber guy."

And as Fredrickson noted, Peterson has held his own against some of the nation's top receivers this year. In Big 12 showdowns against Baylor's Corey Coleman and TCU's Josh Doctson, Peterson held the Biletnikoff Award winner and a fellow finalist to under 80 yards apiece. 

Treadwell could change the scope of the game with one deep reception, but Peterson's disciplined enough to give the physical specimen some fits downfield. 

J.W. Walsh vs. Mason Rudolph

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

The Cowboys are still in limbo at quarterback as starter Mason Rudolph recovers from foot surgery, so don't be surprised if senior J.W. Walsh steps back in under center following a 325-yard, two-touchdown outing against Oklahoma in Bedlam. 

"I would say that with the increased role and number of practice reps that J.W.'s gotten, we would expect him to play at least half the game, either way, depending on Mason's health," Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy said, per ESPN.com's Max Olson. 

And as Olson explained, the Sugar Bowl should be Walsh's stage to relish if Oklahoma State has an interest in protecting one of its key assets. 

"Even if Rudolph can play, limit the plan for him and see how looks during that first drive," Olson wrote. "No sense in risking his long-term health when you trust Walsh can handle the job."

It's an unorthodox individual matchup to peg, but the Sooners' quarterback battle is one that could easily swing the outcome as two top-15 scoring offenses get set to duke it out. 

Emmanuel Ogbah vs. Laremy Tunsil 

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

It would be an egregious oversight to ignore the battle that's about to take place in the trenches between Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. 

Ogbah notched a team-best 12.5 sacks this season, but his superlative pass-rushing skills will be put to the test against arguably the best tackle and top draft prospect in the country. 

"They have a great team, three potential (NFL) first rounders, their left tackle is pretty good and they have a great defense,” Ogbah said, per the Stillwater News Press' Kieran Steckley. “It’s always a challenge for us. I’ve seen some film on him, and he is a very good player."

The matchup between Ogbah and Tunsil also underscores another compelling battle. From a macro perspective, the Oklahoma State defensive line and Ole Miss offensive line have been two of the best at their respective position groups this season. 

According to NCAA.com, Ole Miss opponents recorded just 17 sacks this season. Conversely, Oklahoma State scored a sixth-ranked 38 sacks as a defense, per ESPN.com. 

While skill positions will headline the action, Ogbah, Tunsil and the rest of the players doing dirty work could wind up deciding the outcome of the Sugar Bowl.