Instant Reaction: Ole Miss loses tough road game to Auburn, 20-31

Auburn, Ala. — Ole Miss rode into the Plains with a 6-1 record and a No. 10 ranking. But the Rebels were ultimately just without too many players on offense to leave with a win, as the No. 18 Auburn Tigers defeated the Rebels 30-21.

Here’s our instant reaction of what happened in the loss.

Positive

With numerous key injuries on offense, players showed the ability to step up and make plays. Backup quarterback Luke Altmyer was hurried into the game when Matt Corral was sidelined with an ankle injury. Altmyer went 5-5 with 18 passing yards while Corral went to the locker room to have his ankle x-rayed.

Both wide receiver Jahcour Pearson and tight end Casey Kelley, who were not starters at the beginning of the season, saw significant playing time and made the most of their opportunities. They accounted for 54% of the team’s receptions and 70% of the team’s receiving yards vs Auburn.

Matt Corral’s never-say-die attitude and leadership. No. 2 is a warrior, plain and simple. He puts the team on his back and never wavers. And when it doesn’t work out, he steps up and takes responsibility — even when it’s not on him.

Corral: "That's not an excuse. Next man up mentality. I had Dannis on a shake route…I just overthrew him..Plays I usually make, I missed. This loss is on me."

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) October 31, 2021

The performance of the Ole Miss defense in the second half is also a positive. After surrendering 28 points in the opening two quarters, the Rebels rebounded to hold Auburn to just three points in the second half. The defense created a turnover in the fourth quarter as Deantre Prince forced a fumble that Chance Campbell recovered.

Negative

Ole Miss was 4-8 in the red zone. It is very important in a league such as the SEC to take advantage of opportunities inside the twenty-yard-line and turn them into points.

The Rebels committed fewer penalties than they have as of late; however, the many of the ones they did against the Tigers were costly, either continuing Auburn drives or stopping Ole Miss ones. Officially, the Rebels were called for seven penalties for 57 yards.

Offensive MVP: Jahcour Pearson

Pearson finished the game with 7 catches for 135 yards. His longest reception went for 29 yards, and he totaled 45 yards after catch. It’s good to see Pearson with the ability to contribute to the offense given the significant injuries at the receiver position.

Jahcour Pearson with another huge play.

Currently has six catches for 109 yards pic.twitter.com/8MojQDVtiL

— TeeJay (@TJOxley1) October 31, 2021

Defensive MVP: Chance Campbell

Linebacker Chance Campbell finished the game with 8 total tackles, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. As the leader of the defensive unit, Campbell has done a great job of swarming to the ball. One prime example tonight was when he recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter that kept the Rebels’ hopes alive. 

Ole Miss Play of the Game

Matt Corral’s 29-yard pass to Jahcour Pearson.

(Feature image credit: Ole Miss Athletics)