Jan 01, 2016 06:30 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The 2016 Sugar Bowl will feature two of the best passing offenses in the nation, but the Ole Miss Rebels (12) will be without their top pass rusher when they take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys (16).

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La.

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The Cowboys are in for a challenge when their defensive backfield that allowed 244.3 passing yards per game this season faces the 10th best passing offense in the nation.

Due to a charge of marijuana possession, Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche was suspended for the game and announced he would declare for the NFL Draft, ending his collegiate football career. With an offense far more prone to throwing the ball, Oklahoma State will look to take advantage of Nkemdiche's absence.

But Oklahoma State is likely to utilize its dual-quarterback system to create more opportunities to run the ball.

"I'm not sure of Mike's (Gundy) total background but he reminds me of a great high school coach in regards to this guy can find ways to do great things with what he has," Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze said at a pregame press conference. "And you know, the way he has smoke and mirrored his way to 10 games in regards to the run game, has been very impressive, and the way they create extra gaps, the way they are always creating new things with motion. It creates problems for you defense and he has done a nice job with him. Hats off to him."

(Rankings: CFP. Stats: ESPN)

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