REBELS BOUNCE BACK IN NASHVILLE

Following a blowout loss to Florida two weeks ago, Pete Golding and the Ole Miss Rebels responded in shocking fashion. Ole Miss took down the Commodores 52-17, and it was never in doubt.

Star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss had an efficient game, but not an explosive performance such as past games versus Georgia and LSU. He threw for 213 yards along with 3 touchdowns and an interception. The running game had a great game, running for 196 yards at 5.6 yards per carry. The rebels were able to take advantage of Vanderbilt’s many turnovers, and capitalized on them with short drives.

Vanderbilt’s highly rated quarterback, Jared Curtis, had a disappointing day, throwing for 222 yards along with 2 interceptions and a fumble. The Commodores could also not get it going on the ground, rushing for 103 yards at only 2.8 yards per carry. In total, the Commodores had four total turnovers, were lucky to not have 5, as they recovered one of their 3 fumbles.

The Rebels controlled the entire game, never trailing and keeping a two score lead from late in the first quarter to the rest of the game. The Rebels rained points in the second quarter, scoring 28 in the quarter and then 10 in the second half.

This game paints a good picture for the rest of the Rebel’s season, as it proves they can win in other ways. As college football fans, we are used to seeing Ole Miss win by throwing for 300+ yards along with maybe 20-30 points given up, even in a blow up. Some may look at the score, and think the Rebels won this way, but Coach Golding dominated by forcing turnovers and scoring quick, as they even trailed in time of possession by around 4 minutes.

Ole Miss has a challenging game versus Missouri with a matchup versus former Rebel QB Austin Simmons, before their second half gauntlet begins. I look forward to seeing how this team develops, and hope to see them in the College Football Playoff come December.