Who Are the Ole Miss Rebels? And Can They Stop Texas Tech's Offense?

I’m sitting here in Dallas it’s 10:00 pm Thursday January 1, 2009 and I need to write a 300 word article for Rory today. When I was asked to write this article for Bleacher report I said “man that is easy I’ll have it done in 30 minutes." Boy was I wrong and it’s now it’s late.

In just a little over 14 hours my Rebels play the great offensive juggernaut that is the Texas Tech Red Raiders. When I was asked to describe the defensive schemes Ole Miss would have to run to stop Tech.

My answer is...the same plays they have played all year. If the rebels front four plays like they did in the Mississippi State game they will be fine.

When I was asked what players need to step up to help the Rebels stop Crabtree, Harrell, and Company.

My answer is…there must be consistent play from all 11.

But that is not 300 words or more, there is nothing about Peria, Greg, or Jamarca and Co., so I must go on.

First is Peria Jerry who is by far one of the greatest Rebels I have ever seen play defense. This young man I admire so much for the courage and strength he gave his teammates this year. Peria who is an All-American and possibly a first rounder in the upcoming NFL draft is really mean. Houston Nutt said Peria was such a very nice young man off the field but when he steps foot on the field he turns into a total destruction machine. Peria is know for driving offensive linemen into the running back before they can get the ball.

Second there is Greg Hardy who is a QB’s nightmare. Just ask Alabama’s John Parker Wilson or Florida’s Tim Tebow, they can tell you about Hardy. If Hardy had been healthy all year the Rebels surely would have been at worst 11-1. Greg is such a disruptive force he could be the one to knock Harrell out of his routine.

Third there is Jamarca Sanford the senior safety he and Peria played together on the same high school team. Yes, he is short 5’ 10” but when Jamarca hits you then you will know he’s been there. Crabtree may need to use an excuse to get off the field after he meets Jamarca.

But really I can’t just pick three players. It’s going to take all 11 Rebels to play their game. If everyone plays their game then the rebels will win the battle.

As for scheme it should be cover two or man with the front four blitzing every down. My prediction is that Leach will pass, pass, and pass again so no need to worry about the run. All the Rebels need to do is play the run and pressure the passer.

In the end I predict Ole Miss 35 - Texas Tech 24