JJ Pegues has more rushing touchdowns in the first half of the Rebels’ game against South Carolina than Mississippi State’s leading tailback has all season. In the aftermath of a loss to Kentucky, Ole Miss was looking for playmakers to step up around Tre Harris and give the offense some juice.

That answer has been Pegues through 2 quarters against the Gamecocks. He scored from 1 yard out on Ole Miss’s third drive of the game. Then he capped a dominant first half with a second 1-yard score with 31 seconds to play.

The Rebels took a 24-3 lead into the locker room at the break.

Pegues entered Saturday’s game with 2 rushing scores already this season. The Rebels have a short-yardage package for him that has been mostly effective.

Ole Miss moved the ball well in the first half against South Carolina, outgaining the Gamecocks 280-125 in the first half. Quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 12 of his 18 passes for 206 yards without a turnover.

Dart hit passes to 4 different receivers. Jordan Watkins had 5 catches on 5 targets. Tre Harris led all receivers with 81 yards on 3 catches.

Ole Miss averaged 6.8 yards per play and went 4-for-4 in the red zone.

Saturday’s game is taking place on ESPN.