Here are some quick thoughts on 17th-ranked Mississippi’s blistering 76-3 season-opening win over Tennessee-Martin.
What it means: Seventy-six points. Phew. The Rebels barely broke a sweat on a muggy day in Oxford against a team that struggled to keep up athletically on both sides of the football and was over-matched by depth. Hugh Freeze rotated multiple quarterbacks with success and one of the nation’s elite defenses coming in was stellar in its 2015 debut, highlighted by a 93-yard pick-six from Trae Elston.
What I liked: JUCO transfer Chad Kelly looked like a seasoned vet in Freeze’s up-tempo scheme, managing 231 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. The Rebels pulled away early, scoring 27 points in the first quarter including two rushing touchdowns from Jaylen Walton. The rushing threat kept UT-Martin’s secondary off-balance and Kelly took advantage, as did second-teamer Ryan Buchanan with two touchdown passes.
What I didn’t like: It’s awfully nit-picky, but preseason All-American Laquon Treadwell had two uncharacteristic drops including one that resulted in Kelly’s only interception on the afternoon. Treadwell finished with four receptions for 44 yards.
Who’s the man: Ole Miss All-American defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche made his presence felt in a variety of ways, scoring on a 31-yard touchdown reception and later blocking a field goal in the first half. He also had several quarterback hurries despite constant double-teams.
Key play: Kelly hit Markell Pack in stride for a 56-yard touchdown in the first quarter that put the Rebels ahead, 20-0. It was Kelly’s first touchdown pass as a Rebel and the sophomore wideout’s first career score.
What’s next: Ole Miss hosts Fresno State next week, before its league opener at Alabama.
