By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Chad Kelly, in 2015, averaged more total yards per game than Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson.

Ole Miss senior Chad Kelly is considered the premier quarterback in the SEC. That distinction, entering his senior year, isn’t quite enough. Preparing to take on Florida State this Monday night, Kelly is riding the momentum of one of the most productive seasons any signal caller has ever had in college football’s top conference. The nephew of Hall of Famer Jim Kelly has an impressive resume of his own.

A year ago, Kelly become just the third quarterback in SEC history to top 4,000 passing yards, joining Tim Couch and Johnny Manziel. He, 14 new or tied school records in tow, led the league in passing yards, passing touchdowns, total scores, ranking second in completions, yards per attempt and quarterback rating. His 41 combined touchdowns in a single year trail only Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Manziel and Andre Woodson in-conference all-time. Only Manziel has compiled more total yards than Kelly’s 4,551 last fall.

Perhaps more valuable than any record or tally, Kelly has something only one other quarterback in the game can match, a win over Alabama; and his came in Tuscaloosa, in a championship year for the Crimson Tide. Kelly, that evening, threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns, reaching the endzone once more on the ground. The Rebels scored 43 total points against Alabama, the highest total against the Crimson Tide all season.

For point of reference, Kelly, in 2015, averaged more total yards per game (349.3) than Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson (347.2) and scored more total touchdowns than now-Dallas Cowboys first-team quarterback Dak Prescott.

Kelly could prove to be the ultimate difference-maker against the Seminoles, who ranked 9th in the country in scoring defense a year ago. In games against nationally-ranked competition, Kelly threw ten touchdown passes compared to just two interceptions last fall. He was at his best against the likes of Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma State, all victories. The big stage has been home to Kelly’s biggest performances. He has been at his best under the brightest of lights.

With Kelly at the helm, Ole Miss had its best season, 10-3, since 2003. That fall, two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning led the way. The Rebels have never won eleven games in a season, a feat, coupled with a trip to the SEC Championship Game, that would have been accomplished save a late Arkansas lateral and a two-point conversion in a 53-52 loss to the Razorbacks. Ole Miss won five of their last six outings and three straight to end the year.

The Rebels’ most recent outing, a four-touchdown Sugar Bowl triumph, came with considerable momentum for the team and its quarterback entering the off-season and this summer.

“You know, he finished last season so strong those last seven or eight games, I just hope he can continue performing at that same level that he did. I see no reason in fall camp to think he wouldn’t. He is hungry, he is determined, he is studying hard, preparing himself so I hope I see the same one that ended the last seven games and I believe that will happen,” head coach Hugh Freeze stated.

Still underrated for a player who has accomplished so much, Labor Day will come with the attention needed to turn even more heads. Of teams opening the year in the national top five, Kelly will make his third start this Monday; he’s currently 2-0. Given the stand-alone showcase, Kelly and Ole Miss will have college football’s complete attention. These moments, per his head coach, are where Kelly wants to be.

“Oh, absolutely, I think every game is a great opportunity for him and for our team. I am sure he looks at it that way,” Freeze added. “He is a competitive dude and he wants to play in these types of games so I am sure he sees it that way. I don’t think he sees, nor I think of it as, `I’ve got to get more attention nationally’, I think your play will determine that as the season goes on.”

The start of the college football season means star players around the country will compete for a place in the spotlight. Week one’s final game won’t just be a chance for Kelly to make a statement, rather another opportunity for him to continue to do more of the same.