Ole Miss took care of Wofford 38-13 on Saturday, its only breather between Florida State and No. 1 Alabama. No. 19 Ole Miss can now turn attention to the Tide.
Here’s a look back at the Wofford game, one that the Rebels need to forget quickly with Alabama, angry about back-to-back losses the last two seasons, coming to Oxford.
5 TAKEAWAYS
Another one bites the dust: Two weeks and two impact players out for the season. This time it’s true freshman D.K. Metcalf. Metcalf asserted himself as a touchdown threat with an acrobatic catch against Florida State, and he had another Saturday. But after leaping and grabbing a ball over and out of a helpless Wofford defensive back’s facemask, it was revealed Metcalf had broken a bone in his foot and is done. Metcalf had shown potential of being a Randy Moss-type receiver, a 6-foot-4, sure-handed touchdown machine.
More receiver talk: Metcalf was one of two top receivers from Ole Miss to sign with the Rebels. The hottest name was A.J. Brown, from rival Mississippi State’s backyard of Starkville. Brown hasn’t made the highlight-reel catches that Metcalf has but did have two more catches on Saturday, including a late touchdown, the first of his young career. Expect Brown to take over as the show-stopping freshman receiver.
Red zone efficient: The Rebels were 5-for-5 in the red zone. Yes, it was against Wofford, but that is a confidence boost that will have to linger against Alabama. Chances will be fewer and have to be taken advantage of for the upset to happen.
Can finally focus: On Alabama. The Rebels said all the right things for Wofford week. Now they can actually admit to focusing on the incoming top team in the country. The back-to-back wins mean nothing, and Alabama will be the favorite. That should, and will, rub the Rebels wrong. The outcome will be determined by which Ole Miss team shows up. If it’s the first-half team from opening weekend that was up 28-6 on No. 4 Florida State, it can happen. If the team that allowed freshman Deondre Francois to dink and dunk where he wanted, it could be a long day.
Nice long, regular week: Ole Miss had a short week to get ready for Wofford’s triple-option. The week before, it had no idea what Francois could do. Alabama freshman Jalen Hurts threw for 287 yards on 23-of-36 with 2 touchdowns and no picks in a win against Western Kentucky. Ole Miss’ secondary is still an unknown. We’ll know a lot more a week from now.
REPORT CARD
Offense: A – Did what needed to be done. Score touchdowns and don’t throw the ball to the other team. The Rebels had 416 yards on 64 plays with 174 rushing on 34 carries. The run game is a work in progress as usual, but Akeem Judd’s 64 yards on 11 carries was healthy. He wasn’t tackled for a loss and averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
Defense: B – Wofford runs the mysterious option and Ole Miss had five short days and an emotional loss to deal with while preparing. The defense allowed only 72 passing yards but wasn’t tested. Wofford rushed for 233 yards on 57 rushes. The Rebels secondary will be challenged against the Tide. ArDarius Stewart is a nightmare, averaging nearly 23 yards on his 9 catches with 3 touchdowns. It’s time for senior Tony Bridges to lead the Rebels’ secondary. He again didn’t start on Saturday, but this group needs him and it’s time to figure out how to be the team’s top corner.
Special teams: A – Gary Wunderlich had a 40-yard field goal and Ole Miss punted only twice. Carlos Davis’ 62-yard kick return showed some pop that Ole Miss needs there.
Coaching: A – Not much to do but manage a win. Several players got involved, including nine receivers. Redshirt freshman Jalen Julius started at corner, a nice move to test him in a position that’s up for grabs with Ken Webster gone and Bridges not earning a spot back. Freshman Jaylon Jones and sophomore Cam Ordway were also given snaps in the defensive backfield.
Overall: A – No turnovers and a solid defensive performance against a tricky offense. Things get real this Saturday.
GAME BALLS
RB Eugene Brazley: Had 4 carries for 39 yards. Nothing to shout about, but that’s better than nine yards per carry. The Rebels are hurting at running back and Brazley has a chance there.
QB Chad Kelly: No turnovers and three touchdowns on an efficient 20-of-27 passing for 219 yards. He did what needed to be done and didn’t throw to the other team.
LB Rommel Mageo: Good sign to see the transfer with a team-high 8 tackles after drawing the start.
