Ole Miss posted its highest point total in 80 years, managed nearly 700 total yards and Hugh Freeze was accused of running up the score on social media.

Mission accomplished for an offense breaking in a new quarterback in Saturday’s season opener.

TAKEAWAYS

  • QB Chad Kelly’s a great fit for Hugh Freeze: Confident in his debut, the JUCO transfer was strong in the pocket and showed touch through the air, finishing with 211 yards passing and two touchdowns. He also scored on a nifty 20-yard zone read keeper in the third quarter.
  • Robert Nkemdiche can do it all: The All-American defensive tackle’s 31-yard touchdown reception from Ryan Buchanan in the second quarter had scouts salivating. The potential Top 10 pick in 2016 showcased immense speed and athleticism for a player that’s 6-foot-4, 295 pounds. He added a blocked field goal, too.
  • Without Laremy Tunsil, OL flourishes: No sacks and just two negative plays throughout for the Rebels’ offensive line against a team that brought pressure often. Not only did the veteran unit open gigantic holes for the run game, but tackles protected all three quarterbacks for the duration.
  • New stars emerge at receivers: Despite relatively quiet performances out of preseason All-American Laquon Treadwell and Evan Engram, Ole Miss didn’t lack big plays in the passing game. Markell Pack’s first career touchdown reception went for 56 yards and Cody Core hauled in a well-placed 57-yard touchdown.

REPORT CARD

Offense: (A) — Nine different offensive players scored touchdowns for the Rebels who rushed for 338 yards and threw for 324 more. Four Ole Miss running backs managed at least 50 yards on the ground, a balanced attack that opened things up for Kelly, DeVante Kincade and Ryan Buchanan. The Rebels put together five consecutive touchdown drives in the first half and five straight to end the game.
Defense: (A-) — Freeze told an ESPN sideline analyst at halftime that his defense had been ‘reading too many press clippings’ — despite a 41-0 lead. Cornerback Tony Bridges had an excellent debut with a team-best six tackles while Trae Elston added three stops and an interception return for a touchdown. The Rebels tackled well and allowed only two offensive plays over 20 yards.

Special Teams: (A) — Will Gleeson only punted twice, but booted one inside the 20 and held a 46-yard average. Carlos Davis managed 80 punt return yards and made several defenders miss after fielding several tricky hops. Nkemdiche’s blocked field goal was also notable.
Coaching: (A) — The Rebels’ intention to ’empty the bench’ was executed by the third quarter during an impressive afternoon in Oxford.

Overall: (A) — No complaints from either side of the football, the Rebels dominated from start to finish and didn’t suffer any major injuries. It appears Ole Miss will have plenty to work with offensively entering game week against Fresno State.

GAME PLAN

Ole Miss might not have shown everything it has to offer offensively, but Freeze opened the playbook enough to give Kelly complete control in the up-tempo scheme during his first start.

GAME BALLS

  • DL Robert Nkemdiche: 3 tackles, blocked FG, TD reception
  • QB Chad Kelly: 231 yards total offense, 3 TDs, INT
  • RB Jaylen Walton: 65 yards rushing, 2 TDs on 3 attempts

INJURY UPDATE

  • Walton was checked by trainers for concussion-like symptoms in the second quarter after taking a big hit from a UT-Martin defensive back. “I think we’re all good,” Freeze said.
  • Nkemdiche went to the locker room briefly in the third quarter to have his knee looked at, but returned to the sideline soon thereafter. It was later revealed as cramps.