Checking in on the mid-season temperatures in Oxford, Miss…

Hot Hot Hot!

The Ole Miss Rebels are 5-0 and you can thank one of college football’s best defenses for that. The Rebels shut down Lane Kiffin’s modernized West Coast offense last weekend in Ole Miss’ historic win. Alabama was held to just 17 points and 396 total yards, well below its season average. Playmakers Amari Cooper and T.J. Yeldon were held mostly at bay, not having a huge impact in the game.

Getting Warmer

Dr. Bo showed up against the Crimson Tide, playing turnover-free football and throwing two huge touchdowns late to secure the win for the Rebels. Wallace completed 18 of 31 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. In his past, he’s come up short in these types of environments, but his growth and maturity were on display to lead to the Rebels to the biggest win in program history.

Tepid

Ole Miss’ chances in the SEC West. It feels like a three-team race as of this week with Mississippi State and Auburn still undefeated, with those two teams playing this weekend in Starkville. Realistically, Alabama is still in the picture, but a win this weekend at Texas A&M followed by another big home win when Auburn comes calling next month would set up for a massive Egg Bowl.

Completely Frozen

The only weakness in Oxford is the running game. It’s been running back-by-committee approach so far this season for Hugh Freeze. Jaylen Walton is the Rebels’ leading rusher at a pedestrian 47.6 yards per game. Ole Miss as a team is averaging 143.0 yards per game, but the Rebels for the most part have been an unbalanced offense in its 5-0 start.