Sugar Bowl 2016, Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss full highlights, final score and more

The Ole Miss Rebels erased last season’s New Years loss with a drubbing of the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Sugar Bowl. 

The Ole Miss Rebels picked up their first Sugar Bowl win since 1969 with a 48-20 destruction of the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Sugar Bowl on Friday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

In a game that figured to feature plenty of offense, the two defenses came up with some big plays early. Ashton Lampkin’s interception ended Ole Miss’ first drive, and the Cowboys were able to get pressure on Chad Kelly early on.

The Cowboys struggled with Ole Miss’ speed on defense early and were only able to muster a field goal on their first two drives despite great field position. Ole Miss was able to get its tempo running game going late in the first and matched that field goal to know things up at three after about 10 minutes.

With a few seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Rebels finally hit on a pair of downfield passes, including a 31-yard touchdown pass from Kelly to Cody Core. Ole Miss kept it going on its next drive, as star receiver Laquon Treadwell took advantage of a poor Oklahoma State secondary on a 34-yard touchdown catch.

Penalties hurt the Oklahoma State offense, and the Rebels were able to dominate the line of scrimmage for much of the first half despite missing Robert Nkemdiche. One the other side of the ball, Ole Miss made it look easy throughout the second quarter, and extended the lead to 27-6 just before half on another touchdown catch by Treadwell.

With under two minutes to go before halftime, Ole Miss marched down the field and scored again on a trick play to lineman Laremy Tunsil as time expired to go up 34-7. The drive was extended by a crucial Oklahoma State personal foul, as mistakes and lack of pass protection destroyed any chance of an upset bid for the Cowboys.

A fumble on a punt return didn’t help Oklahoma State’s situation in the third quarter, as Ole Miss took advantage with a 36-yard Jordan Wilkins touchdown run. J.W. Walsh finally found the end zone for the Cowboys late in the third, but Oklahoma State could do nothing defensively, as the Rebels cemented a 48-20 win.

The Rebels offense wasn’t a surprise, as they were balanced and efficient all season, while the Cowboys struggled defensively. However, the physicality and athleticism of the Ole Miss defense stood out, as Oklahoma State had absolutely no running game and could not generate any big plays through the air.

Three Stars

Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss. Threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns and led the team in rushing to end a terrific season.

Laremy Tunsil, QB, Ole Miss. In addition to the touchdown catch, did a good job of containing outstanding pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah and gave Kelly enough protection to pick apart the Cowboys defense. 

John Youngblood, DE, Ole Miss. Entire defensive line deserves credit for dominating in the trenches, but Youngblood did a particularly good job disrupting the backfield in Nkemdiche’s absence. 

Highlights

"When he calls fair catch, don’t do this. #SugarBowl https://t.co/i8Yr8WDzhk — Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) January 2, 2016"

"What a catch #OleMiss https://t.co/sx2iF8XJxf — Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) January 2, 2016"

"#OleMiss Laquon Treadwell showing off the arm strength on the trick play https://t.co/TRCXXooWtx — The Sports Daily (@SportsDailyBlog) January 2, 2016"

"LAREMY TUNSIL TOUCHDOWN #FatGuyTD https://t.co/QrM1U7I8sG — Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) January 2, 2016"

"#Big12FB: J.W. Walsh rush #Touchdown for @CowboyFB. He has accounted for a score in every OSU game this season. https://t.co/Ku6uW09foj — Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) January 2, 2016"

Odds

Ole Miss entered as a touchdown favorite and had little trouble covering the spread. A late Oklahoma State touchdown ensured the teams hit the over of 67.5.

Up Next

Oklahoma State will be disappointed with the three-game losing streak to end the season, but a 10-win season exceeded expectations. Ole Miss has increased its win total in four consecutive seasons now and could do some more damage next year with Kelly back.