Ole Miss was already locked in a close game with Georgia Southern when disaster struck.
Senior quarterback Chad Kelly, the nation’s ninth-leading passer, went out with an apparent leg injury in the third quarter of Saturday’s game. He limped off the field after taking a big hit and eventually headed to the team’s medical tent to get checked out.
Chad Kelly removed his helmet, walked off the field after an incompletion to Damore'ea Stringfellow. Favoring his ankle. Being looked at.
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 5, 2016
Chad Kelly getting checked out in the medical tent. Jason Pellerin in at QB.
— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) November 5, 2016
Chad Kelly is slowly and gingerly walking towards the locker room.
— The DM Sports (@thedm_sports) November 5, 2016
Chad Kelly is back on the Ole Miss sideline, though he doesn't have his helmet with him. He's sitting between D. Lodge and Q. Adeboyejo.
— Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) November 5, 2016
Kelly’s injury forced redshirt freshman Jason Pellerin into action. Pellerin had completed 4-of-8 passes for 34 yards and two touchdowns heading into the game.
It’s unclear if Kelly can return to the game, which could spell doom for the Rebels. Georgia Southern is nearing 300 yards on the ground against Ole Miss’ porous rushing defense, and Pellerin might need to produce a few scoring drives for the Rebels to hold off the Eagles.
Ole Miss is currently winning 34-24 in the final minute of the third quarter.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
