Sugar Bowl 2016: Examining Key Stats, Matchups for Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State

The scoreboard better be prepared for this high-scoring tilt in the Sugar Bowl.

It'll be a matchup of two of the best scoring offenses in the nation, when Ole Miss and Oklahoma State get it on inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 1.

The Rebels have been listed as one-touchdown favorites for the last few weeks, according to Odds Shark, and it's based mainly on recent production. The Cowboys come into the Sugar Bowl dropping tough losses against Oklahoma and Baylor. Ole Miss comes in winners of two straight, beating LSU and Mississippi State.

Offensively, it's going to be an even matchup. Defense is where this game is won, and that will swing the pendulum in the favor of the Rebels.

Team	Points per game	Scoring defense	Star Player
Oklahoma State	41.2 ppg	29 ppg	QB Mason Rudolph—3,591 yards, 21 TD passes
Ole Miss	40.2 ppg	22.8 ppg	WR Laquon Treadwell—1,082 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns

Ole Miss' Offense vs. Oklahoma State's Defense

The Cowboys have been able to get by this season with a high-octane offense but a struggling defense.

For the last five weeks, though, Oklahoma State's defense has given up an absurd amount of yardage. Take a look here:

Opponent	First Downs allowed	Total Yards Allowed
Texas Tech	32	642
TCU	36	663
Iowa State	19	411
Baylor	32	700
Oklahoma	23	524

Before those five games, the most yards Oklahoma State had allowed was 443 against West Virginia. The Cowboys have a difficult task laid out in front of them, needing to contain quarterback Chad Kelly. Ole Miss' junior quarterback has accumulated for 4,136 total yards and 37 total touchdowns.

In order for the Cowboys to win this game, they'll need to stop Kelly, who has thrown nine touchdowns to only two interceptions in his last four games.

Laquon Treadwell vs. Oklahoma State Secondary

One specific defensive back will not be shadowing one of the best receivers in the country on New Year's Day.

Laquon Treadwell's journey back to the football field has been a miraculous one. He's put together the best season of his college career, nearing 1,100 yards receiving to go along with eight touchdowns.

Seven players lead the Cowboys with two interceptions. There's no clear shut-down corner the Cowboys have at their disposal. Treadwell can line up anywhere on the line of scrimmage and make life tough on the OSU secondary.

The Cowboys have allowed at least 390 yards passing in three of their last five games. If the Rebels decide to make this a pass-happy game, there should be more than enough firepower for Ole Miss to dominate this game.