As the College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown looms in New Orleans, No. 6 Ole Miss is expected to have one of its most important offensive weapons back in the mix.
Running back Kewan Lacy, who left the Rebels’ 41-10 first-round win over Tulane with a shoulder injury, is listed as probable for Thursday’s Sugar Bowl clash against No. 3 Georgia - a matchup that promises to be one of the most physical and high-stakes games of the postseason.
Lacy’s status has been one of the biggest question marks heading into the week, and for good reason. He’s been the heartbeat of the Ole Miss ground game all season, racking up 1,366 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns - both marks putting him near the top of the national leaderboard. His downhill, power-running style has given defenses fits all year, and his ability to wear down front sevens has been a key reason why the Rebels are in the CFP to begin with.
Now, with a trip to the national semifinal on the line, his presence could be a game-changer.
Back in October, Lacy was bottled up by this Georgia defense, managing just 31 yards on the ground in a 43-35 loss in Athens. But that was then.
This time, the stakes are higher, the venue is neutral, and both teams have evolved since that regular-season meeting. Georgia still brings the same physicality up front, but the Rebels will be looking to counter with a more balanced attack - and a healthier Lacy could be the difference.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who’s had a breakout campaign of his own, sounded confident when asked about his backfield mate. “I think Kewan will have a great game this game,” Chambliss said earlier this week. That’s not just quarterback speak - Chambliss knows how much easier his job becomes when Lacy is in rhythm, forcing defenses to commit extra bodies to the box and opening up play-action opportunities downfield.
The Rebels are also monitoring a few other key contributors. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright is expected to be available, while fellow tight end Caleb Odom is questionable. Linebacker Raymond Collins, a key piece on the defensive side, is listed as doubtful - a potential blow to a unit that will need to be sharp against Georgia’s multifaceted offense.
On the Bulldogs’ side, they’re dealing with some injury concerns of their own. Starting center Drew Bobo is out for the remainder of the CFP, which could impact Georgia’s ability to control the line of scrimmage - especially against an Ole Miss front that’s been disruptive in recent weeks. Georgia is also missing several defensive contributors, though there’s some good news on offense: wide receiver Colbie Young is probable after recovering from a broken leg, and his return could add another dimension to Georgia’s passing game.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN from the Superdome, where the atmosphere should be electric.
Two top-six teams, loaded with NFL-caliber talent, squaring off in one of college football’s most iconic venues - this is what the playoff was built for. And if Kewan Lacy is anywhere close to full strength, Ole Miss might just have the firepower to make this a classic.