Predictions and 5 things to watch in the Sugar Bowl

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Oklahoma State (10-2) vs. Ole Miss (9-3)
New Orleans
Jan. 1, 2016

Oklahoma State was so close to playing in the College Football Playoff.

It was 10-0, just on the outskirts of the top four and had two games against ranked teams remaining. However, an injury to star quarterback Mason Rudolph resulted in losses to Baylor and Oklahoma and the Cowboys landed in the Sugar Bowl instead.

It’s not a bad spot as one of the premier New Year’s Day bowls and it will face a formidable opponent in Ole Miss. Like Oklahoma State, Ole Miss also had opportunities for a better season. The Rebels defeated Alabama early, but then fizzled with losses to Florida, Memphis and Arkansas.

Who will have more motivation in this contest? Here are the five things to watch in the Sugar Bowl.

The receivers: One of the highlights of this game is that it features two of the nation’s most dynamic receivers in Oklahoma State’s James Washington and Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell. Both players have racked up 1,000 yards this season and are the top targets for their respective quarterbacks.

Is Mason Rudolph ready? Mason Rudolph had foot surgery in late November and was walking without a noticeable limp during bowl practices this past week. However, coach Mike Gundy has remained silent about whether Rudolph will start Friday’s game. If he doesn’t, that means the Cowboys will turn to J.W. Walsh, who has been a nice change of pace quarterback, but has been pretty terrible as an outright starter. If the Cowboys want to have any chance against Ole Miss' patented Landshark defense, it needs a healthy Rudolph to play.

Speaking of the Landshark defense…

Ole Miss has done well on defense this year despite losing five starters off the season opening roster. It’s allowing 388 yards per game and 22.8 points per game. It’s especially tough against the run, allowing 132.4 yards per game.

Don’t sleep on Ole Miss’ offense: If there’s been one part of Ole Miss that has drastically improved this season, it’s the offense. The Rebels are the No. 22 nationally total offense averaging 333.7 yards per game and 40.3 points per game. Oklahoma State is not very good on defense, so this game could turn into a shootout quickly.

Off-field distractions: Few teams have had more player-centric off-field distractions in the past month than Ole Miss thanks to the Nkemdiche brothers, Denzel and Robert. Both have been hospitalized, one for undisclosed reasons and the other for falling off a 15-foot wall outside of a hotel window. Both have subsequently been suspended and their futures with the program are uncertain. Unfortunately for Ole Miss, their loss also is a big deal on the field as both players are integral to the team’s defense.

Picks

Graham: This is a tough game to pick because it hinges on whether Rudolph is able to play. Even if he is, I’m not sure how healthy he’ll be. I’ll take the Fighting Landsharks. Ole Miss 42, Oklahoma State 34.

Nick: Will the absence of the Nkemdiches hurt Ole Miss? I'm not so sure. Oklahoma State has looked very good at times in 2015. It's also gotten very lucky too. Ole Miss 38, Oklahoma State 29.

Sam: Oklahoma State has a great offense, but its defense? Not so great. As long as Chad Kelly holds on to the ball, I give Ole Miss the edge here. Ole Miss 34, Oklahoma State 31.

For more Oklahoma State news, visit OStateIllustrated.com.

For more Ole Miss news, visit RebelGrove.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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