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Matt Luke names Ole Miss starting RB, updates QB situation for opener
By Jake Rill
Published:
The Ole Miss offense is beginning to take shape ahead of Saturday’s season opener.
At his press conference on Monday, coach Matt Luke announced that junior Scottie Phillips will start at running back against Texas Tech. Phillips is a junior college transfer who came to the Rebels from Jones County Junior College (Ellisville, Miss.).
“Scottie will start the game, but I think you’re always having to keep guys fresh,” Luke said. “He’ll get the majority of the carries, but you’ll see some different backs throughout the game depending on the situation.”
Phillips was a 3-star recruit and the No. 39 junior college recruit in the nation, as well as the No. 1 from Mississippi, per 247sports.
Luke also gave an update on the Rebels’ quarterback situation. He said the plan is for senior Jordan Ta’amu to play the entire game in the season opener. But true freshman Matt Corral could also get some playing time “if the opportunity presents itself.”
Ta’amu played in eight games last season, making five starts, and he’ll be the starter again to begin this season. He threw for 1,682 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Corral was a 4-star recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in the 2018 class.
Ole Miss opens the season against Texas Tech on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
