Ole Miss offense looks unstoppable after Fresno State game
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Another week, another 70-plus point day for the Ole Miss offense.
The Rebels jumped out to a 28-0 advantage on the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first quarter and never allowed the lead to slip below 21 points in a 73-21 victory.
Nine receivers got in on the action as QB Chad Kelly secured the starting job going forward. DT Robert Nkemdiche scored another offensive touchdown on a 1-yard carry.
5 TAKEAWAYS
- The legend of Swag Kelly grows: Kelly’s passing numbers — 20-of-25, 346 yards, four touchdowns — would be decent numbers playing against air. It’s only Fresno State, but the kid looks like a natural fit in Mississippi’s high-tempo offense, poised in the pocket playing pitch and catch with the receivers.
- Don’t forget about Kincade: QB DeVante Kincade won’t be the starter, but he could still be a good situational quarterback for the Rebels. It was a pass-happy day for Ole Miss, but Kincade had the biggest run of the day (43 yards).
- Spreading it around: Who would have thought the Rebels could score 70 points without a touchdown by WR Laquon Treadwell or even a catch for TE Evan Engram. The Rebels are showing that when opposing defenses key on the playmakers, they have plenty of other capable options.
- Shepard wasn’t playing smart: There’s a fine line between maintaining intensity and not playing smart, and CB Tee Shepard crossed it with his targeting penalty. The play was debatable as targeting, but in a 49-14 game, Shepard didn’t need to make the big, menacing hit.
- C.J. Johnson looks good at linebacker: The high school linebacker turned defensive end in college turned linebacker again showed with his third-quarter interception that he has the hands to make plays in pass coverage.
REPORT CARD
Offense: A+ — 73 points, with 28 in the first quarter, are video game numbers. The competition isn’t tough, but the results are still impressive.
Defense: B — Rebels coach Hugh Freeze wasn’t happy with the first half-stats, and the last-second touchdown demonstrated a lack of focus, but overall the Landshark defense came up big in the second half with multiple turnovers. Not many people would have predicted a top SEC defense would allow 21 points to Fresno State, but considering the blowout nature of the game in the second half, the stats are slightly skewed.
Special Teams: B- — Overall, special teams were a non-factor, but the only Ole Miss punt return went for minus-8 yards. Gary Wunderlich made all 10 extra points and his only field goal attempt (37 yards).
Coaching: A- — On a wacky Saturday in the SEC, give Freeze credit for having the Rebels focused and fired up to play Fresno State instead of looking ahead to Alabama. The quarterback rotation in the second quarter was a curious call, removing the hot hand (Kelly).
Overall: A+ — The Rebels look unstoppable right now. The question will be whether it holds up in SEC play.
GAME PLAN
The Rebels wanted to establish tempo, and did they ever with four quick scores in the first quarter to jump out 28-0. In tuneup games, the mental aspect can be more challenging than the opponents themselves, but Ole Miss stayed hungry and comfortably put the game out of reach in the third quarter.
GAME BALLS
- QB Chad Kelly: Leading the way in the only two back-to-back 70-plus games in school history is definitely game ball worthy.
- LB C.J. Johnson: Johnson made the play of the game, a third-quarter interception to nullify a fumbled punt return deep in Ole Miss territory. Fresno State had a prime opportunity to cut the game to 35-21 before Johnson’s pick.
- WR Quincy Adeboyejo: Adeboyejo had a career day with five catches for 120 yards and three touchdowns. If defenses continue to concentrate on Treadwell, Adeboyejo could make them pay.
INJURY UPDATE
- C Robert Conyers left the game in the first half with a strained knee ligament. After the game, Freeze said Conyers could have returned in the second half, but the coaches opted to not risk further injury.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
