Balance Leads Ole Miss to Showcase Win
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By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com
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The Rebels, just had, arguably, their most complete performance of the year.
In a matchup of top 15 SEC teams between Ole Miss and Texas A&M, the Rebels, had, arguably, their most complete performance of the year.
In a statement win for Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, the Rebels outgained the Aggies 504 yards to 378, with 32 first downs compared to 19. Ole Miss never trailed, got key plays on offense, defense and special teams and ultimately responded to Texas A&M’s second half surge with two critical touchdowns, a 13-yard run from Snoop Conner and a 52-yard interception return from A.J. Finley. The Rebels had a shutout first half and then a statement second half for a a win that will move them closer to the top ten.
There was tremendous offensive productivity, with Matt Corral, Conner and Jerrion Ealy all doing their part. Ole Miss threw for 247 yards and rushed for 257. Quite remarkably, the Rebels continue to have a Heisman Trophy contender at quarterback and a top five rushing offense nationally. Ealy had a career game, the first 150-yard rushing performance of his career. Conner and Henry Parrish, Jr. also combined for over 100 yards. Corral threw another touchdown pass to Dontario Drummond.
Defensively, Ole Miss was dominant. In addition to interceptions by Finley, who sealed the win with his late pick-six, and Ashanti Cistrunk, the defense also tackled Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller in the endzone for a safety. Overall, the Rebels limited the Aggies to just 3-of-14 on third down tries and a failed fourth down attempt. On special teams, kicker Caden Costa made both of his tries and punter Mac Brown downed four kicks inside the Texas A&M 20-yard line.
It was an important win for Ole Miss. It was one with great balance as well.
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