Postgame Points: LSU Game
Point No.1: Landsharks
The first postgame point this week is that the Landsharks continue to be one of the best defensive units in the country. Despite LSU defeating Ole Miss by a final count of 10-7, the Landshark defense was stout throughout the game in holding the Tigers to a field goal and a late touchdown.
Holding LSU to a mere 10 points in Death Valley was good enough to give the Rebels a chance to win the game. LSU was able to run the ball more effectively than any other opponent against the Rebels this season, but the Landsharks still surrendered only 10 points.
Ole Miss continues to be opportunistic, as the Landsharks created 4 turnovers in Baton Rouge. Ole Miss was able to capitalize on 1 of those turnovers, leading to the only 7 points put up by the Rebels. Even in defeat, the Landshark defense showed that they are among the best units in the nation and are capable of leading the Rebels to an SEC championship.
Point No.2: Still In It
Despite suffering their first loss of the season, the Rebels remain in the race for the SEC West championship. At 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the SEC, Ole Miss is still in it with 4 games to play in November. If Ole Miss can beat Auburn, Arkansas, and Mississippi State in their final 3 SEC games, the Rebels will win the SEC West and get to play in the SEC championship game in Atlanta. So, the Rebels control their own destiny and can still reach some lofty goals in the postseason.
Point No.3: Forcing Turnovers
Ole Miss picked off 2 LSU passes on Saturday night in Baton Rouge, and the Rebels now have 17 interceptions on the season.
The Landsharks continue to create opportunities for the potent Rebel offense. As well, the secondary limited the Tigers to just 8 completions and 142 yards through the air.
Senquez Golson came up big in Death Valley, grabbing his eighth interception of the season. Mike Hilton accounted for the other Rebel interception.
Ole Miss recovered 2 fumbles in Baton Rouge, as well. Cody Prewitt forced and recovered a fumble, while C.J. Johnson recovered a fumble forced by Deterrian Shackelford.
As stated throughout the season, the Landsharks make big plays that produce points and keep Ole Miss in every game. The Rebels have now forced a turnover in 31 consecutive contests, and this defense continues to give the Rebels a chance to win the SEC West.
Point No.4: Receivers
While the offense was limited by the LSU defense, Ole Miss did find some productivity in the passing game. Laquon Treadwell hauled in 4 passes for 71 yards on the night. Cody Core had 4 catches for 45 yards and the only Rebel touchdown of the game. Jaylen Walton showed his versatility by grabbing 4 receptions for 41 yards out of the backfield.
Point No.5: Win The Day
Ole Miss has showed a great ability throughout the season to take things one game at a time. The Rebels have managed to avoid looking ahead to the bigger picture and stay focused on each week’s opponent.
Now, with a loss under their belts, the Rebels must remain zoned in on one opponent at a time. I believe Coach Hugh Freeze will keep the Rebels from looking ahead. Freeze will continue to preach to the Rebels that they must simply win the day each day. If Ole Miss can do that and play their best ball throughout November, the Rebels can win each of the 4 remaining games and the SEC West.
Ole Miss can achieve some great things in the postseason, as long as they take things one game at a time, much like they have done all season.
Jeff is a college sports fanatic who was able to recognize many D1 team logos by kindergarten. Growing up, Jeff played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track/cross country. Jeff’s love for college sports was expanded while running track/cross country at Indiana University, where he earned a General Education degree and attended every sporting event possible when not running for the Hoosiers. A proud parent and husband, Jeff resides in Oxford. His wife is an Ole Miss graduate, and Jeff has a year of post-graduate studies at Ole Miss under his belt. Jeff and his family can be found at just about any Ole Miss sporting event throughout the year. Jeff follows the idea of God, Family/Friends, and Football as a way of life. Writing about Ole Miss sports plays to Jeff’s love affair with collegiate athletics perfectly!
Nice write up Son. The Rebels just couldn’t get going Saturday night at LSU. Offensively they were out of sink all night, LSU defense had a lot to do with that. Rebels just could not generate the normal offense that we are used to seeing. It was a game that they can go back and correct things and get ready for another battle with a great Auburn team.