Rebels excited by running success
Ole Miss aiming to improve
OXFORD, Miss. — It’s hard to get too excited about statistics from No. 17 Ole Miss’ lopsided victory Saturday.
But one number did catch the attention of coach Hugh Freeze: The Rebels averaged nearly 10 yards per rush and had five players run for at least 40 yards in the 76-3 victory over Tennessee at Martin.
Ole Miss was among the worst teams in the SEC last season at running. With experienced offensive linemen and running backs returning, the Rebels hoped for improvement.
The results after one game are promising.
But the opponents will become tougher in a hurry, starting with a home game against Fresno State on Saturday.
“Like I’ve said throughout the summer, I’ve been cautiously optimistic that we’ve done some things that will help us improve,” Freeze said. “I just hope we have a healthy offensive line. We’re yet to get totally there.”
Health is one issue — potential starting guard Rod Taylor missed Saturday’s game with a shoulder injury. NCAA eligibility is another.
Starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil was held out of the UT Martin game for what the school called “precautionary” reasons while the program looks into potential NCAA violations. Freeze said Monday he didn’t know if Tunsil will play against Fresno State.
The school said during the summer that it was working with the NCAA after Tunsil’s stepfather alleged that the offensive lineman had improper contact with agents and received illegal benefits.
Ole Miss shifted the offensive line because of Tunsil’s absence, moving Fahn Cooper to left tackle and inserting Sean Rawlings at right tackle. It worked fine against the overmatched Skyhawks.
The Rebels gained 338 yards on the ground Saturday. Eugene Brazley led the way with 88 yards and one touchdown on six carries while starter Jaylen Walton, a former Ridgeway star, ran for two touchdowns — including a 60-yarder on his first carry.
Jordan Wilkins (St. Benedict) added 41 on six carries.
“We’ve got to keep improving,” Wilkins said. “But it was good to get out there and see five different running backs run the ball well, and even the secondstring offensive line was opening up holes.”
An improved running game would take pressure off new starting quarterback Chad Kelly. The junior transfer had a good first game, completing 9 of 15 passes for 211 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
“Anytime you can run the ball at will, it gives you a lot of options to open up the playbook and keep the defense on their heels,” Kelly said. “That’s when you can throw it around a little bit.”