GameDay 20151230

Belk Bowl

Sugar Bowl

Mississippi State (8-4) vs. N.C. State (7-5)

Ole Miss (9-3) vs. Oklahoma State (10-2)

at Charlotte, N.C.

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The Daily Journal’s college football bowl preview | Wednesday, December 30, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

GAMEDAY: BELK BOWL PREVIEW

DAILY JOURNAL

One last hurrah for Bulldogs’ Prescott

BY LOGAN LOWERY DAILY JOURNAL

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – One the most beloved players in Mississippi State history will don maroon and white one final time in the Belk Bowl today.

Senior quarterback Dak Prescott will play his last TODAY game as a Bulldog Miss. State at 2:30 p.m., as vs. N.C. State MSU takes on 2:30 p.m.

N.C. State.

While there will be plenty of attention on his final outing, Prescott is keeping his focus on trying to help the 84 Bulldogs be victorious.

“I’m just worried about N.C. State right now and getting my team ready to go so that we’re

prepared for everything they are going to give us,” said Prescott.

“I have to be the leader for this team and I have one more game to do that. I’m going to make the most of it and enjoy the moment while I can.”

Prescott is one of 13 seniors who will take the field for the final time today for the Bulldogs.

He has already shattered 38 school records and owns a 1-1 record as a starter in bowl games.

In two postseason starts, Prescott has accounted for 861 yards and nine touchdowns.

Mississippi State owns a 10-8 record in bowl games after last year’s 49-34 loss to Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. The Bulldogs are making their first appearance in the Belk Bowl.

Today marks the third time MSU has met the Wolfpack in

the postseason. The Bulldogs claimed the 1963 Liberty Bowl 16-12 in Philadelphia followed by a 28-24 defeat in Peach Bowl in Atlanta to close the 1994 season.

N.C. State is making its 29th bowl outing and third postseason appearance at Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.

STUMBLE TO END

The Wolfpack went 7-5 during the regular season, losing five of its final eight. N.C. State’s only victory against a team with a winning record came against Eastern Kentucky (6-5).

Senior quarterback Jacoby Brissett leads the Wolfpack into battle with plenty of experience against SEC opponents.

Brissett played two seasons at Florida earning three starts

under center for the Gators before transferring to N.C. State, where he has started all 25 games the past two years.

“He’s a hard guy to tackle and can extend plays so there’s a lot of things in terms of the stress he puts on your defense,” said MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. “He’s an older guy so he’s seen everything he’s been everywhere so you’re not going to shock him with a look he hasn’t seen.”

The Wolfpack will be without top rusher Matthew Dayes following foot surgery but will still have the services of tight end/fullback Jaylen Samuels, who leads the team with 64 catches for 599 yards and seven touchdowns. logan.lowery@journalinc.com Twitter: @loganlowery

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Dak Prescott makes his final start for Mississippi State today.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

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Rebels aiming to limit ‘explosive plays’ by Cowboys homa State reel off 10 wins to start the season before dropping its last two games to Baylor and NEW ORLEANS – Ole Miss Oklahoma. players hope their Sugar Bowl op“They live off explosive plays,” ponent has gotten all of its New Ole Miss defensive back Mike Year’s fireworks Hilton said. “We feel like as a deout of its system fense if we take away their explobefore the night of sive plays they’ll struggle.”

Jan. 1 arrives.

Oklahoma State went into its That’s when the season finale against OU with 73 Rebels will take on gains of 20 or more yards, 10th an Oklahoma most in the country.

FRIDAY State team they Even in defeat they hit some Ole Miss vs. believe thrives on big plays. The Cowboys had eight Oklahoma State big plays. plays of 20-plus yards, seven of 7:30 p.m.

The Cowboys them passes, in a 53-28 loss to the (10-2) are ranked Sooners.

No. 7 nationally in passing ofOklahoma State’s No. 1 target is fense at 357.3 yards a game.

James Washington, a 6-foot sophThey’re No. 9 in scoring offense, omore from Stamford, Texas, who the fifth of five Big 12 teams averages 20.7 yards per catch. ranked in the top 10, with 41.2 Washington has 1,077 yards and points a game.

10 touchdowns on 52 receptions.

Numbers like that helped OklaOle Miss (9-3) has had decent

BY PARRISH ALFORD DAILY JOURNAL

success at keeping the ball in front of its deepest defenders.

The Rebels are giving up 13.53 yards per completion, third in the SEC and 34th in the nation.

FOCUS ON BIG GAINS

Picking up big chunks of yards was a point of emphasis for Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy in the off-season.

The Cowboys averaged fewer than five explosive plays per game last year.

“They throw and catch as well as any team we have seen,” Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said.

The Cowboys’ primary thrower is sophomore quarterback Mason Rudolph, who was slowed with a foot injury and played only three plays against Oklahoma.

His status for the Sugar Bowl is not clear.

Freeze praised Rudolph’s ability

to throw deep but said the Oklahoma State passing game is much more than that.

“The receivers are very physical. They get off coverage and run extremely good routes,” he said.

“They’ve done that throughout the duration of coach Gundy’s career there.

Freeze said he has studied Gundy’s offenses.

It’s one thing to scheme to take away explosive plays. Executing that plan will be a challenge.

“They have good answers to defensive coverages,” Freeze said.

“When you have an accurate quarterback throwing it on target to athletic receivers it makes for a tough matchup for most people.

They have been good at it all year.” parrish.alford@journalinc.com Twitter: @parrishalford

TNS

Sophomore James Washington has 10 TDs on 52 catches for Oklahoma State.

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GAMEDAY: SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW

DAILY JOURNAL

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

GAMEDAY: BELK BOWL PREVIEW

Scouting report: Mississippi State vs. N.C. State KEYS FOR VICTORY

1. No hole digging In their last outing, the Bulldogs spotted rival Ole Miss 21 points in the opening quarter and played catchup the rest of the way.

Last year in the Orange Bowl, MSU fell behind Georgia Tech 14-0 in a 49-34 loss.

Turnovers played a big part in creating both of those early deficits so the Bulldogs will need to protect the football and put up some points of their own.

2. Don’t break on defense Mississippi State took pride in being a bend-but-don’t-break defense in the red zone this season. But surrendering big plays was the Bulldogs’ downfall in their losses.

Nine of the 14 touchdowns MSU allowed in losses came on plays of 26 yards or more. The Bulldogs must make N.C. State move the chains in order to score.

3. Surround Samuels Tight end/fullback Jaylen Samuels has double the amount of receptions, yards and touchdowns of any other N.C. State player.

The 5-foot-11, 236-pound sophomore has 64 catches for 599 yards and seven scores.

Mississippi State must be aware of Samuels’ whereabouts at all times. If not, it might be a long afternoon.

WHAT TO WATCH

When MSU has the ball The Bulldogs averaged 451.4 yards and 33 points per game during the regular season. Mississippi State is throwing for 311.1 yards and rushing for another 140.3 yards.

Dak Prescott is completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 3,413 yards, 25 touchdowns and four interceptions while also leading the team with 541 rushing yards and 10 more scores. Fred Ross has been Prescott’s favorite target, with a school-

DAILY JOURNAL x

MISSISSIPPI STATE (8-4) VS. N.C. STATE (7-5)

Where: Bank of America Stadium (75,413), Charlotte, N.C. Kickoff: Today, 2:30 p.m. TV: ESPN Radio: MSU Network, Sirius/XM 80.

Series: N.C. State leads 3-2 overall; tied 1-1 in bowl games.

Last meeting: The Wolfpack won 28-24 in the 1994 Peach Bowl as MSU managed just one TD in six trips to the red zone.

Coaches – MSU: Dan Mullen 54-35 (7th year), N.C. State: Dave Doeren 18-19 at N.C. State (3rd year), 41-23 overall (5th year) Stat leaders – MSU: QB Dak Prescott 291 of 435 passes, 3,413 yards, 25 TD, 4 INT, 148 carries, 541 yards, 10 TD; WR Fred Ross 81 catches, 933 yards, 4 TD; LB Richie Brown 101 tackles, 5.5 sacks; S Brandon Bryant 2 INT; CB Taveze Calhoun 2 INT; CB Will Redmond 2 INT. N.C. State: QB Jacoby Brissett 225 of 367 passes, 2,448 yards, 19 TD, 4 INT; RB Matthew Dayes 134 carries, 865 yards, 12 TD; TE/FB Jaylen Samuels 64 catches, 599 yards, 7 TD; LB Airius Moore 70 tackles; DE Mike Rose 10.5 sacks; S Hakim Jones 2 INT; LB Jerod Fernandez 2 INT. Trends: MSU has a 10-8 record in bowl games. ... MSU is 49-1 when leading at the half under Mullen. ... Mullen is 3-2 in bowl games. ... N.C. State is 15-12-1 in bowl games. ... N.C. State is 3-3 at Bank of America Stadium and 2-0 in bowl games there.

Notes: MSU needs three tackles for loss to tie the school’s singleseason record. ... MSU is one of five SEC teams to appear in a bowl every year this decade (Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M). ... MSU has the fewest penalties in the SEC. ... Prescott has accounted for ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM Protecting Dak Prescott could be complicated if MSU has to shuffle its line. 27 TD’s and no turnovers in the red zone. ... Eastern Kentucky (6-5) is the only team N.C. State defeated this year with a winning record.

Summing it up: “We still believe our best game is out there and record 81 grabs for 933 yards and four percent of his throws for 2,448 yards, 19 that’s our goal.” – MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz touchdowns. touchdowns and four interceptions.

Prediction: Mississippi State, 34-21.

Junior center Jamaal Clayborn (right MSU is giving up 388.4 yards and 22.8 Logan Lowery ankle) is questionable. points to its opponents.

The Wolfpack are allowing 332.5 yards N.C. STATE (7-5) MISSISSIPPI STATE (8-4) and 23.8 points a game to their opponents.

CRUCIAL MATCHUP 49 Troy 21 34 at Southern Miss 16 MSU’s offensive line 35 Eastern Kentucky 0 19 LSU 21 When N.C. State has the ball vs. N.C. State’s defensive line 38 at Old Dominion 14 62 Northwestern State 13 The Wolfpack are amassing 411.9 yards An ankle injury to junior center Jamaal 63 at South Alabama 13 17 at Auburn 9 and 33.7 points per game. N.C. State feaClayborn this week in practice could cause 13 Louisville 20 17 at Texas A&M 30 tures a balanced attack – 210.5 yards Mississippi State to shift its offensive line 13 at Virginia Tech 28 45 Troy 17 through the air, 201.4 yards on the ground. and leave Dak Prescott vulnerable.

17 45 Louisiana Tech 20 The Wolfpack will be without the services If Clayborn can’t go it would cause Justin 35 at Wake Forest 41 Clemson 56 42 Kentucky 16 of leading rusher Matthew Dayes (865 Malone to shift from left guard to center, 24 at Boston College 8 31 at Missouri 13 yards, 12 TD) following foot surgery so it will Devon Desper from right guard to left and 17 at Florida State 34 6 Alabama 31 be up to former Florida quarterback transfer redshirt freshman Deion Calhoun to play 42 Syracuse 29 51 at Arkansas 50 Jacoby Brissett to shoulder most of the ofright guard.

Logan Lowery 34 North Carolina 45 27 Ole Miss 38 fensive load. Brissett has connected on 61.3

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Scouting report: Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State KEYS FOR VICTORY

1. Rush and Contain The Rebels dominated the Egg Bowl with pressure against Dak Prescott, but they’re missing both Robert Nkemdiche and starting defensive end Fadol Brown for this game.

It’s possible Nkemdiche’s absence could be offset by the health of Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph. It’s been sketchy, but OSU coach Mike Gundy has implied that he’ll use two quarterbacks more than he did during the regular season.

Either way the Rebels will face an experienced veteran and need to be ready to pressure Rudolph or contain the running quarterback J.W. Walsh.

2. Don’t sleep on the run The Cowboys’ 132.2 rushing yards per game was better than only Kansas in the Big 12. Three times they were held under a hundred yards. They have shown spurts, however, and any run success against the Rebels’ re-made defensive line will make them more effective in the passing game.

3. Do what you do Chad Kelly has played turnover-free football for three straight games and hasn’t thrown an interception in his last 105 attempts.

If he plays composed and can maintain that pace, Ole Miss will have a great chance to make amends for last year’s 42-3 Peach Bowl loss.

WHAT TO WATCH

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Chad Kelly heads into the Sugar Bowl playing at a high level for Ole Miss. against an Ole Miss secondary that has been prone to give up big plays.

Walsh has been very effective in the red zone where he’s amassed 13 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns.

When Oklahoma State has the ball Rudolph played very little in the “Bedlam” game against Oklahoma, and while Walsh posted respective numbers the Sooners were successful in keeping the ball in front and now getting beaten deep.

If Rudolph is available he’ll take shots

Baker Mayfield all averaged more than 7 yards a carry for the Sooners.

CRUCIAL MATCHUP

Ole Miss offensive line vs.

Oklahoma State DE Emmanuel Ogbah When Ole Miss has the ball Ogbah leads the Big 12 and ranks fourth Kelly ended the regular season playing at in the nation with 1.08 sacks per game. a high level, and while Hugh Freeze will aim It’s unlikely he would dominate Ole Miss for balance look for the Rebels to work to tackle Laremy Tunsil in that manner, but exestablish the run against a Cowboys defense pect the Cowboys to probe the Rebels’ line that ranks 84th in the country in stopping it. for weakness. Everybody will get a shot at It was a strategy that worked well for Ok- Ogbah. lahoma, which rushed for 344 yards and five Without a group effort to contain him, touchdowns in a 58-23 win in the regular Ogbah could throw Kelly and the Rebels’ ofseason finale. fense off track.

Parrish Alford Two running backs and quarterback

“Good Luck

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015 x

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome (76,468), New Orleans TV: Friday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN Radio: Ole Miss Network, Sirius/XM 80.

Series: Ole Miss leads 2-0 Coaches – OSU: Mike Gundy 94-46 11 years, all at OSU. Ole Miss: Hugh Freeze, 63-25, seventh season overall; 33-18 fourth season at Ole Miss.

Statistical Leaders – OSU: RB Chris Carson 121-504, 4 TD. QB Mason Rudolph 246 for 393 passing, 3,591 yards, 21 TD, 9 INT. WR James Washington 52 catches, 1,077 yards, 10 TD. LB Jordan Sterns 103 tackles, 1.5 TFL. Ole Miss: RB Jaylen Walton 134-690, 5 TD. QB – Chad Kelly 277 for 425 passing, 3,740 yards, 27 TD, 12 INT. WR Laquon Treadwell 76 catches, 1,082 yards, 8 TD. LB DeMarquis Gates 71 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 FF. Trends: Ole Miss and Oklahoma State have only met in Cotton Bowls, with Ole Miss winning after the 2003 and 2009 seasons.

Notes: Ole Miss was ranked 12th, Oklahoma State 16th in the final College Football Playoff committee rankings. … Ole Miss has reached a bowl in each of Freeze’s first four seasons, with wins in the BBVA Compass and Music City bowls and a loss in the Peach Bowl. … Ole Miss has posted back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time since 1961-1962. … Ole Miss went 4-2 against ranked teams this season, its most wins against ranked opponents since 1969 – the last season it advanced to the Sugar Bowl.

Summing it up: “They are a solid football team. It is going to be a great test for us. They have a kind of bend-but-don’t-break type of defense that tries to really play extremely well in the red zone. They are going to be a great challenge.” – Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze Prediction: Ole Miss, 40-33.

Parrish Alford 24 32 69 30 36 33 58 70 49 35 35 23

In The Sugar Bowl!”

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NO. 16 OLE MISS (9-2) VS. NO. 13 OKLAHOMA STATE (10-2)

OKLAHOMA STATE (10-2) at Central Michigan 13 Central Arkansas 8 UTSA 14 at Texas 27 Kansas State 34 at West Virginia, OT 26 Kansas 10 at Texas Tech 53 TCU 29 at Iowa State 31 Baylor 45 Oklahoma 58

76 73 43 27 10 52 24 23 27 52 38 38

OLE MISS (9-3) UT Martin Fresno State at Alabama Vanderbilt at Florida New Mexico State at Memphis Texas A&M at Auburn Arkansas, OT LSU at Mississippi State

In The Belk Bowl And Good Luck WE WILL SAVE YOU

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3 21 37 16 38 3 37 3 19 53 17 27

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GAMEDAY: SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW

DAILY JOURNAL

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GAMEDAY: BELK BOWL PREVIEW

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

Depth Chart: Bulldogs Based on the best pregame information available; subject to change.

OFFENSE WR

1 16 WR 5 6 WR 8 35 LT 77 74 LG 70 61 C 60 64 RG 62 78 RT 58 71 TE 84 81 RB 10 32 QB 15 7

De’Runnya Wilson Joe Morrow Fred Brown Donald Gray Fred Ross Gabe Myles Rufus Warren Elgton Jenkins Justin Malone Deion Calhoun Jamaal Clayborn Jocquell Johnson Devon Desper Damien Robinson Justin Senior Cole Carter Darrion Hutcherson Justin Johnson Brandon Holloway Ashton Shumpert Dak Prescott Nick Fitzgerald

DEFENSE DE

97 57 DT 98 49 DT 94 or 88 DE 47 57 LB 45 51 LB 39 4 LB 42 46 CB 7 5 FS 11 17 SS 20 12 CB 23 9

Johnathan Calvin Will Coleman Chris Jones Torrey Dale Nelson Adams Nick James A.J. Jefferson Will Coleman J.T. Gray Kelan Chairs Richie Brown Gerri Green Beniquez Brown Dez Harris Tolando Cleveland Cedric Jiles Kivon Coman Deontay Evans Brandon Bryant Jamal Peters Taveze Calhoun Jamoral Graham

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK 29 Westin Graves P KO SN HLD KOR PR

40 43 40 40 43 53 38 43 40 10 35 22 8 22

Devon Bell Logan Cooke Devon Bell Devon Bell Logan Cooke Hunter Bradley Joel Baldwin Logan Cooke Devon Bell Brandon Holloway Gabe Myles Malik Dear Fred Ross Malik Dear

6-5, 215, Jr. 6-4, 202, Sr. 6-1, 196, Jr. 5-10, 193, So. 6-2, 207, Jr. 6-0, 192, So. 6-7, 299, Sr. 6-4, 304, R-Fr. 6-7, 320, Sr. 6-3, 303, R-Fr. 6-4, 315, Jr 6-4, 300, Jr. 6-4, 305, Jr. 6-8, 325, Sr. 6-5, 295, Jr. 6-6, 299, Jr. 6-7, 260, Sr. 6-3, 229, Fr. 5-8, 165, Jr. 6-2, 218, Jr. 6-2, 230, Sr. 6-5, 227, R-Fr. 6-3, 263, Jr. 6-5, 250, Jr. 6-6, 308, Jr. 6-6, 252, Jr. 6-3, 310, Jr. 6-5, 325, Jr. 6-3, 277, Jr. 6-5, 250, Jr. 6-0, 196, So. 6-0, 220, So. 6-2, 245, Jr. 6-4, 243, R-Fr. 6-1, 238, Jr. 6-4, 239, So. 6-0, 190, Jr. 5-10, 182, Jr. 6-3, 196, Jr. 5-10, 204, Jr. 5-11, 205, R-Fr. 6-2, 206, Fr. 6-1, 180, Sr. 5-10, 173, So. 6-0, 163, So. 6-2, 190, Sr. 6-5, 216, So. 6-2, 190, Sr. 6-2, 190, Sr. 6-5, 216, So. 6-3, 235, Jr. 6-3, 225, R-Fr. 6-5, 216, So. 6-2, 190, Sr. 5-8, 165, Jr. 6-0, 192, So. 5-9, 220, Fr. 6-2, 207, Jr. 5-9, 220, Fr.

LOGAN LOWERY’S COMMENTS

Nine catches for 105 yards and 2 TDs in last year’s bowl.

Has three receiving touchdowns this season.

Single-season MSU records: 81 catches, five 100y games.

Also: Freshman Malik Dear (5-9, 220) Former tight end missed Egg Bowl with kidney stones.

MSU’s most experienced lineman with 28 career starts.

Has started all 12 games this season.

Earned 15th career start against Ole Miss.

Has made 25 career starts at right tackle, one at left.

DAILY JOURNAL

N.C. STATE DEPTH CHART OFFENSE LT 54 Joe Thuney, Gr. 53 Tyler Jones, Fr. LG 71 Alex Barr, Gr. 65 Garrett Bradberry, Fr. C 60 Quinton Schooley, Sr. 70 Terronne Prescod, Fr. RG 50 Tony Adams, So. 56 Bryce Kennedy, Jr. RT 53 Tyler Jones, Fr. or 66 Will Richardson, Fr. 64 Peter Daniel, So. TE 86 David J. Grinnage, Jr. 48 Cole Cook, So. 89 Benson Browne, Gr. QB 12 Jacoby Brissett, Sr.

2 27 25 28 36 WR-X 85 87 84 WR-Z 13 or 15 WR-F 7 30 80

RB or FB

Jalan McClendon, Fr. Dakwa Nichols, So. Reggie Gallaspy II, Fr. Jaylen Samuels, So. Max Stoffer, Fr. Jumichael Ramos, Jr. Maurice Trowell, Fr. Freddie Simmons, Fr. Bra’Lon Cherry, Jr. Johnathan Alston, Jr. Nyheim Hines, Fr. Gavin Locklear, So. Ben Grazen, So.

DEFENSE DE 90 Mike Rose, Gr.

45 93 91 NT 98 94 DE 49 35 WLB 58 32 MLB 4 44 LCB 29 or 20 FS 1 31 SS 2 DT

Darian Roseboro, Fr. Justin Jones, So. Eurndraus Bryant, Fr. B.J. Hill, So. Monty Nelson, Jr. Bradley Chubb, So. Kentavius Street, So. Airius Moore, So. Riley Nicholson, Fr. Jerod Fernandez, So. Ford Howell, So. Jack Tocho, Jr. Michael Stevens, So. Hakim Jones, Gr. Germaine Pratt, So. Josh Jones, So.

or 24 NICK 8 6 RCB 11 22

Shawn Boone, So. Dravious Wright, Jr. Niles Clark, Jr. Juston Burris, Gr. Troy Vincent Jr., So.

SPECIAL TEAMS PK 92 Kyle Bambard, Fr. 97 Jackson Maples, Fr. P 90 A.J. Cole III, Fr. KO 97 Jackson Maples, Fr. H 90 A.J. Cole III, Fr. LS 57 Tyler Griffiths, Fr. PR 13 Bra’Lon Cherry, Jr. 7 Nyheim Hines, Fr. KR 7 Nyheim Hines, Fr.

BOWL HISTORY Mississippi State: 10-8 (.556) Last win: 2013 Liberty, 44-7 over Rice

N.C. State: 15-12-1 (.554) Last win: 2014 St. Pete, 34-27 over Central Florida

Gus Walley out with a concussion.

Totaled 115 all-purpose yards during the Egg Bowl.

Also: Redshirt freshmen Dontavian Lee and Aeris Williams Racked up 500 yards, four TDs last year in Orange Bowl.

Also: redshirt freshman Elijah Staley (6-6, 248) Ryan Brown out after ankle surgery.

Could this be final collegiate game for Houston native?

Recovered a fumble for a touchdown vs. Troy.

Had a sack in the Orange Bowl last year.

Zach Jackson graduated, is pursuing other opportunities.

Tops MSU with 101 tackles and 5.5 sacks this season.

Recorded an interception during last year’s Orange Bowl.

Will Redmond out for the season (Torn ACL).

Tied a career-high with nine tackles against Alabama.

Kendrick Market out for the season with a torn ACL. Also: Freshman Mark McLaurin Will also play in the East-West Shrine Game.

He’s 14 for 17 this season with a long of 44.

Averaging 42.5 yards per punt with a long of 65.

Has 31 touchbacks on 72 kickoffs this season.

Winston Chapman (torn ACL) may short snap FGs/PATs.

100-yard kickoff return for TD vs. Southern Miss.

AP | FILE

Mark Richt celebrates last season’s Belk Bowl victory – his last bowl win at Georgia.

Returned a punt 77 yards for a TD against Troy.

MSU on area radio: Aberdeen, WWZQ-AM (1240); Amory, WAMY-AM (1580); Corinth, WKCU-AM (1350); Starkville/West Point, WKBB-FM (100.9); Tupelo, WXWX-FM (96.3).

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Follow Logan Lowery (@LoganLowery) on Twitter.

BELK BOWL RESULTS

(The game, played in late December, has had three title sponsors since its start in 2002.)

Continental Tire Bowl 2002 Virginia 48, West Virginia 22 2003 Virginia 23, Pittsburgh 6 2004 Boston College 37, North Carolina 24

Meineke Car Care Bowl 2005 N.C. State 14, South Florida 0 2006 Boston College 25, Navy 24 2007 Wake Forest 24, Connecticut 10 2008 West Virginia 31, North Carolina 30 2009 Pittsburgh 19, North Carolina 17 2010 South Florida 31, Clemson 26

Belk Bowl 2011 N.C. State 31, Louisville 24 2012 Cincinnati 48, Duke 34 2013 North Carolina 39, Cincinnati 17 2014 Georgia 37, Louisville 14

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Depth Chart: Rebels Based on the best pregame information available; subject to change.

OFFENSE

WR

1 19 LT 78 74 LG 72 79 C 64 68 RG 70 73 RT 74 50 TE 17 15 WR 88 3 Slot 8 11 QB 10 9 RB 6 21

Laquon Treadwell Derrick Jones Laremy Tunsil Fahn Cooper Aaron Morris Javon Patterson Ben Still Justin Bell Jordan Sims Rod Taylor Fahn Cooper Sean Rawlings Evan Engram Jeremy Liggins Cody Core Damore’ea Stringfellow Quincy Adeboyejo Markell Pack Chad Kelly Ryan Buchanan Jaylen Walton Akeem Judd

DEFENSE E

47 11 DT 9 91 NT 54 93 E 27 10 OLB 31 23 MLB 10 21 Huskie 38 30 CB 15 23 Rover 7 26 FS 3 8 CB 1 38

John Youngblood Channing Ward Breeland Speaks Ross Donelly Woodrow Hamilton D.J. Jones Marquis Haynes C.J. Johnson DeMarquis Gates Tayler Polk C.J. Johnson Terry Caldwell Mike Hilton A.J. Moore Kendarius Webster Carlos Davis Trae Elston C.J. Moore C.J. Hampton Chief Brown Tony Bridges Mike Hilton

SPECIAL TEAMS PK

97 92 P 94 97 KO 91 97 HLD 9 LS 53 KOR 6 22 PR 16 11

Gary Wunderlich Andy Pappanastos Will Gleeson Gary Wunderlich Nathan Noble Gary Wunderlich Ryan Buchanan Will Few Jaylen Walton Jordan Wilkins Collins Moore Markell Pack

6-2, 210, Jr. 6-2, 189, Jr. 6-5, 305, Jr. 6-5, 305, Sr. 6-5, 313, Sr. 6-3, 307, Fr. 6-3, 280, Sr. 6-2, 347, Sr. 6-4, 334, R-Fr. 6-3, 320, So. 6-5, 305, Sr. 6-5, 280, R-Fr. 6-3, 227, Jr. 6-3, 302, Jr. 6-3, 205, Sr. 6-2, 220, So. 6-3, 195, Jr. 6-2, 193, So. 6-2, 215, Jr. 6-3, 218, So. 5-8, 172, Sr. 5-11, 222, Jr. 6-3, 255, Jr. 6-4, 279, Sr. 6-3, 313, R-Fr. 6-1, 309, Fr. 6-3, 313, Sr. 6-0, 324, Jr. 6-3, 220, So. 6-2, 225, Sr. 6-2, 217, So. 5-11, 212, So. 6-2, 225, Sr. 6-1, 216, Jr. 5-9, 184, Sr. 6-0, 199, So. 5-11, 180, So. 5-8, 171, Jr. 5-11, 195, Sr. 5-11, 190, So. 6-0, 179, So. 6-1, 202, Sr. 6-0, 183, Jr. 5-9, 184, Sr. 6-0, 188, So. 5-11, 194, So. 6-3, 197, So. 6-0, 188, So. 6-3, 224, Jr. 6-0, 188, So. 6-3, 218, So. 6-3, 232, Jr. 5-8, 172, Sr. 6-1, 214, So. 6-1, 201, Sr. 6-2, 193, So.

PARRISH ALFORD’S COMMENTS

Needs four catches to reach 80 for the season.

Rebels are 4-1 since his return, all against SEC West.

Senior moved past the freshman around mid-season.

Bell could also play some guard.

Could move to tackle next season.

Winner of Kent Hull Trophy as state’s top college lineman.

Has announced his intention to return for senior season.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

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OKLAHOMA STATE DEPTH CHART OFFENSE LT 73 Victor Salako, Jr. 78 Matt Mucha, R-Fr. LG 74 Michael Wilson, Jr. 66 Lemaefe Galea’i, R-Fr. C 71 Brad Lundblade, So. 76 Colby Hegwood, Sr. RG 64 Jesse Robinson, So. 57 Paul Lewis, Jr. RT 60 Zach Crabtree, So. 51 Brandon Pertile, So. WR 3 Marcell Ateman, Jr. 7 Brandon Sheperd, Sr. WR 13 David Glidden, Sr. 84 Jalen McCleskey, Fr.

WR 88 15 WR 28 81 HB 86 85 RB 32 30 QB 2 4

Austin Hays, Jr. Chris Lacy, So. James Washington, So. Jhajuan Seales, Jr. Zac Veatch, Jr. Jordan Frazier, R-Fr. Chris Carson, Jr. Raymond Taylor, Jr. Mason Rudolph, So. J.W. Walsh, Sr.

DEFENSE E 38 Emmanuel Ogbah, Jr. 93 Jarrell Owens, R-Fr. T 56 Motekiai Maile, Jr.

79 96 97 E 90 94 SLB 20 9 MLB 45 50 WLB 10 40 CB 1 17 SS 31 5 T

Darrion Daniels, Fr. Vincent Taylor, So. Eric Davis, Jr. Trace Clark, Sr. Jordan Brailford, R-Fr. Jordan Burton, Jr. Gyasi Akem, So. Chad Whitener, So. Josh Mabin, R-Fr. Seth Jacobs, Jr. Devante Averette, Jr. Kevin Peterson, Sr. Michael Hunter, Sr. Tre Flowers, So. Jerel Morrow, So.

CB

13 23 6 24

Jordan Sterns, Jr. Ken. Edison-McGruder, Fr. Ashton Lampkin, Jr. Miketavius Jones, Sr.

SPECIALISTS P 29 Zach Sinor, Rfr. PK 19 Ben Grogan, Jr. LS 54 Josh Elias, Sr. HO 30 Bryant Reber, Jr. PR 84 Jalen McCleskey, Fr. KR 20 Jeff Carr, Fr. 15 Chris Lacy, So.

BOWL HISTORY Ole Miss: 23-13 (.638) Last win: 2013 Music City, 25-17 over Georgia Tech

Oklahoma State: 16-9 (.640) Last win: 2014 Cactus, 30-22 over Washington

Two TD catches at Mississippi State.

His seven TD catches are second on the team.

Has thrown 105 straight passes without an interception.

Sixteen carries, 93 yards at MSU.

Starter Fadol Brown out after foot surgery.

He replaces suspended All-American Robert Nkemdiche.

Could slide over and play tackle, too.

His 9.5 sacks, 14 TFLs are both team highs.

Leads team with 71 tackles.

Expected to play some at end as well.

Last game for fan favorite who plays bigger than his size.

Nine pass breakups on the season.

Leads team with four interceptions.

AP | FILE

Ohio State’s Urban Meyer celebrates last year’s Sugar Bowl win over Alabama, in a game that served as a national playoff semifinal.

More playing time as Hampton has missed last two games.

His pick-six helped Ole Miss pull away at MSU.

Just 1 for 3 on field goals at MSU. Has struggled down the stretch.

Forty-seven touchbacks on 86 kicks.

Part of three-way QB competition in August.

Dependable as new starter in overlooked role.

Averages 17.3 yards on 23 kick returns.

Not a big-play threat, but not a turnover threat either.

Ole Miss on area radio: Amory, WAMY-AM (1580); Corinth, WXRZ-FM (94.3); Oxford, WQLJ-FM (93.7); Oxford/Water Valley, WTNM-FM (105.5); Starkville WSSO-AM (1230) Tupelo, WWMR-FM (102.9).

COMING THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

More Sugar Bowl preview coverage from the Journal’s Parrish Alford.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Follow Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) and John Davis (@oxfordcitizenjd) on Twitter.

SUGAR BOWL RESULTS

(Typically played on Jan. 1 or 2, but games marked with an asterisk were played in late December.)

1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961

Tulane 20, Temple 14 TCU 3, LSU 2 Santa Clara 21, LSU 14 Santa Clara 6, LSU 0 TCU 15, Carnegie Tech 7 Texas A&M 14, Tulane 13 Boston College 19, Tennessee 13 Fordham 2, Missouri 0 Tennessee 14, Tulsa 7 Georgia Tech 20, Tulsa 18 Duke 29, Alabama 26 Okla. State 33, Saint Mary’s (Calif.) 13 Georgia 20, North Carolina 10 Texas 27, Alabama 7 Oklahoma 14, North Carolina 6 Oklahoma 35, LSU 0 Kentucky 13, Oklahoma 7 Maryland 28, Tennessee 13 Georgia Tech 24, Ole Miss 7 Georgia Tech 42, West Virginia 19 Navy 21, Ole Miss 0 Georgia Tech 7, Pittsburgh 0 Baylor 13, Tennessee 7 Ole Miss 39, Texas 7 LSU 7, Clemson 0 Ole Miss 21, LSU 0 Ole Miss 14, Rice 6

1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973* 1974* 1975* 1976* 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988

Alabama 10, Arkansas 3 Ole Miss 17, Arkansas 13 Alabama 12, Ole Miss 7 LSU 13, Syracuse 10 Missouri 20, Florida 18 Alabama 34, Nebraska 7 LSU 20, Wyoming 13 Arkansas 16, Georgia 2 Ole Miss 27, Arkansas 22 Tennessee 34, Air Force 13 Oklahoma 40, Auburn 22 Oklahoma 14, Penn State 0 Notre Dame 24, Alabama 23 Nebraska 13, Florida 10 Alabama 13, Penn State 6 Pittsburgh 27, Georgia 3 Alabama 35, Ohio State 6 Alabama 14, Penn State 7 Alabama 24, Arkansas 9 Georgia 17, Notre Dame 10 Pittsburgh 24, Georgia 20 Penn State 27, Georgia 23 Auburn 9, Michigan 7 Nebraska 28, LSU 10 Tennessee 35, Miami 7 Nebraska 30, LSU 15 Syracuse 16, Auburn 16

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996* 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Florida State 13, Auburn 7 Miami 33, Alabama 25 Tennessee 23, Virginia 22 Notre Dame 39, Florida 28 Alabama 34, Miami 13 Florida 41, West Virginia 7 Florida State 23, Florida 17 Virginia Tech 28, Texas 10 Florida 52, Florida State 20 Florida State 31, Ohio State 14 Ohio State 24, Texas A&M 14 Florida State 46, Virginia Tech 29 Miami 37, Florida 20 LSU 47, Illinois 34 Georgia 26, Florida State 13 LSU 21, Oklahoma 14 Auburn 16, Virginia Tech 13 West Virginia 38, Georgia 35 LSU 41, Notre Dame 14 Georgia 41, Hawaii 10 Utah 31, Alabama 17 Florida 51, Cincinnati 24 Ohio State 31, Arkansas 26 Michigan 23, Virginia Tech 20 Louisville 33, Florida 23 Oklahoma 45, Alabama 31 Ohio State 42, Alabama 35

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GAMEDAY: SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW

DAILY JOURNAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

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GAMEDAY: BOWL PREVIEW

DAILY JOURNAL

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