With Lane Kiffin watching from home following a positive COVID-19 test, the Ole Miss Rebels have a 26-0 halftime lead over the Louisville Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The story has been the terrific defensive display the Rebels have shown thus far. Last year, they ranked last or near-last in the SEC in nearly every defensive category, but Monday was a much different story as they held the Cardinals to just 107 yards of total offense in the 1st half. It was the first time the Rebels had shut a team out in the 1st half in nearly 7 years.

Despite 54 yards rushing on 10 attempts, Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham ended up with just 17 yards on 5-of-13 passing while throwing an interception, his team turning it over on downs on the opening drive and seeing their next 3 ending on punts before his pick that led to another touchdown for the Rebels. A late flurry saw the Cardinals drive deep into Ole Miss territory before fumbling it on 4th down at the Louisville 25.

Here’s a sampling of the social media reaction to the Rebels’ performance:

https://twitter.com/nj_hill/status/1435058133332893700