Texas-Ole Miss matchups to watch: Arch Manning vs. Rebels blitz

Ole Miss rolls into Austin for a game Texas likely needs to win to keep their CFP hopes alive. The Rebels are led by one of the best QBs in the country, an elite RB-WR duo and a front seven loaded with NFL talent. For Texas to win, they’ll need to put together their most complete performance of the season, especially without Colin Simmons. Can the Longhorns manage that with their backs up against the wall?

Here are the five matchups that could define if Texas staves off a third-straight loss:

Trinidad Chambliss vs. Will Muschamp 

Here’s the reality: if there were consistent answers for Trinidad Chambliss, someone would’ve found them already. A player like Colin Simmons is as good of an answer but without the Longhorns star, how can Muschamp slow down the Rebels QB? Keeping Chambliss off balance is difficult but if Texas can do it enough, there will be an opening for a Longhorns win. Muschamp will need elite execution from his unit but he’ll need to find answers for the toughest player to defend in college football. 

Arch Manning vs. The Blitz 

This is a battle Arch Manning has to win for Texas to avoid a third-straight loss. Florida(and many others) were able to just attack the OL and QB, knowing it’ll create indecision and inaccuracy. He needs to find early answers to combat this dominating Ole Miss front seven. The screen game will be important, but the quick answers Sarkisian is giving Manning will need to be found in this game if Texas’ offense is going to have any success. 

Texas OL vs. Ole Miss Front Seven

The Texas OL put together their best performance to date in Week Two against Ohio State. Since then, it’s been a deteriorating product, leaving Manning in a collapsing pocket far too often. This Ole Miss front is elite, led by Will Echoles and Luke Ferrelli, and can take over this game if Texas lets them. The Texas OL will need to match that unit if Texas is going to find consistent offensive success. 

Texas WRs vs. Ole Miss Secondary 

This is where, if the OL handles their business, Texas can take advantage. The Rebels secondary has struggled this season, especially away from home. If Manning is given time, there should be openings for Coleman, Wingo and Mosley to change this game. This is where the screen game could be lethal, leaving the Rebels backend to have to tackle at an elite rate. It’ll all rely on what happens up front but this is a matchup that should favor Texas. 

Texas vs. The Moment 

The Texas locker room has heard the discussion this week. It’s understood how important this game is, not only for this season but beyond for Steve Sarkisian. They know their CFP lives are on the line this Saturday. On top of that, if the offense starts slow, the friendly home crowd could become hostile in a hurry. Can this Texas team handle the pressure and beat one of the best teams in the country? It’ll be a tall task but they’ll need to rise to the moment and keep Texas alive for the CFP.