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Rapid Reaction: Arkansas QB Cole Kelley shines in comeback win over Ole Miss
By Paul Harvey
Published:
What began as a blowout turned into quite an exciting game.
The Rebels jumped out to a 31-7 lead in the first half behind a strong start from QB Jordan Ta’amu. Ta’amu had numerous big completions in the first half and added two rushing scores.
The Razorbacks looked lifeless until well into the second quarter. Then, the defense forced two Ole Miss turnovers on back-to-back possessions that set up the Hogs in good field position. Arkansas QB Cole Kelley found his rhythm with the offense and scored on the ground and through the air to pull the Razorbacks within 31-21 heading into halftime.
The Razorbacks began the second half with the ball and continued with the same rhythm on offense that they used to finish the half. Kelley led the offense on an eight-play, 73-yard drive that ended in Kelley’s third passing touchdown of the day to pull the Hogs to within three at 31-28. Arkansas’ defense followed that up by forcing the Rebels to punt on their first possession of the second half.
It was an incredible turnaround for both teams. The Razorbacks were able to move the ball effectively after a disastrous start to the game, and the defense finally woke up.
After scoring on five straight possessions to open the game, the Rebels found themselves in a lifeless streak that saw the offense record two turnovers and a punt in three of the next four possessions. The fourth possession was a one-play drive to end the first half.
Ole Miss did not score in the third quarter, but widened its lead to 34-28 with a field goal just moments into the fourth. Ta’amu engineered the Rebels offense during the 10-play, 51-yard drive after the Razorbacks were stopped on downs after reaching Ole Miss territory. The Rebels added another field goal in the fourth following a Razorbacks turnover to open up a nine-point lead with 9:52 remaining in the game.
It finally looked like Ole Miss had regained control of the game, but a fumble return for a touchdown brought the Razorbacks within two points of the Rebels at 37-35. Arkansas would force a punt on the ensuing possession that would give the Razorbacks a chance to take the lead and win the game.
In the end, Arkansas did just enough to get in position for a game-winning field goal. Razorbacks kicker Conner Limpert, who missed earlier in the game, lined up the 34-yard kick and drilled it home for a 38-37 win. It was a remarkable comeback for the Hogs while the Rebels will dwell on what could have been after jumping out to a big lead.
Fans of defense probably did not enjoy this game, but there were a number of solid offensive performers from both teams. For Ole Miss, Ta’amu provided a glimmer of hope for the Rebels and life without QB Shea Patterson. Ta’amu completed 20 of 30 passes for 368 yards and an interception. He also showed an ability to do damage with his legs while rushing for 76 yards and 2 TDs.
The Rebels ground game was led by RB Jordan Wilkins who finished with 118 yards and a TD on the afternoon. Wilkins started the fireworks on the afternoon with a 64-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game and helped balance the Rebels attack all game long.
For Arkansas, Kelley completed 19 of 30 passes for 189 yards and 3 TDs while adding a TD on the ground. Razorbacks RB/WR T.J. Hammonds was the leader for a Hogs rushing attack that gained over 200 yards against the Rebels. Hammonds had 11 carries for 84 yards as four Razorbacks rushed for 40 or more yards.
The Rebels will travel to Lexington next weekend and take on the Kentucky Wildcats. The Razorbacks will return home to take on Coastal Carolina.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
