A rapid reaction to Ole Miss’ 31-17 win over No. 4 Mississippi State:

What it means: Ole Miss knocked Mississippi State out of the top four of the College Football Playoff with its win over the Bulldogs on Saturday. The Rebels looked like the better team and the team that wanted it more from the opening whistle. With its ninth win, Ole Miss now slides in the backdoor for a possible New Year’s Six bowl and a 10-win season.

What I liked: The Ole Miss run game. The Rebels by far had their best game running the football against Mississippi State, rushing for 204 yards on 28 carries. Hugh Freeze was creative in giving his team chances at running the football, and Ole Miss had a lot of success on the perimeter of the field. Jaylen Walton had a career day rushing for 148 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, highlighted by a 91-yard touchdown run in which he escaped a few tackles, reversed field and dashed to the end zone. It was the run game that fueled a Rebels offense decimated by injuries, yet was able to put up 31 points.

What I didn’t like: If you want to split hairs, Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott had a good night throwing the football, completing 22-of-37 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown. All in all, however, Ole Miss played — perhaps — its most complete football game of the season and responded in a huge way after losing three straight conference games.

Key play: Walton’s 91-yard touchdown run. Late in the third quarter, Walton started right, reversed course, broke a few tackles and found open field on the left sideline and would not be caught for a touchdown that extended the Rebels’ lead to 24-10. That play ignited the Ole Miss faithful and sparked an otherwise defensive battle. The play stands as the longest in Ole Miss history.

Who’s the man: Yep, you guessed it, Jaylen Walton. The junior had a career night on the ground, launching an Ole Miss run game that had been rather pedestrian all season long. Walton averaged nearly 11 yards per carry and his 148 yards are a career high.

What’s next: Ole Miss awaits its bowl destination, perhaps one of the New Year’s Six games. The Rebels will rest up, get healthy and begin bowl prep for the third straight year under Freeze. If Ole Miss can win its bowl and close the 2014 campaign on a two-game win streak, it would be a great response to the midseason skid and great momentum for 2015.