QB1 Film Room: High-Flying Ole Miss takes down the Razorbacks, 52-51
OXFORD, Miss. — In this week’s edition of The QB1 Film Room, we take a look at the Rebels’ thrilling 52-51 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway.
Junior quarterback Matt Corral was 14-of-21 for 287 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, the Rebel starter rushed for 94 yards on 15 carries and two scores. The Ventura, California native extended his passing touchdown streak to 17-straight games, and is ranked No. 2 in the nation in ESPN Total QBR.
There are a lot of outstanding offensive plays to look at in this back-and-forth affair, so let’s get right to it!
Video 1 – Corral to Jahcour Pearson on 4th Down
The Rebels lead the country in fourth down attempts (24) and fourth down conversions (18) in their five games. These totals are a step ahead of two triple-option academy teams, Air Force and Army, respectfully.
That right there tells us the mental approach of the Rebels offensively, and it didn’t take long to test the 4th Down Chart against Arkansas.
Video 2 – Parrish for the 1st Down
Here we go again with the Rebs’ vaunted 4th down game, in this case a handoff to Henry Parrish that easily picks up the yard needed and even more behind a great push by the O-Line.
Video 3 – Matty picks up the 1st down
Here we have a 3rd & 8 quarterback run that’s implementing the zone or “stretch” blocking scheme. The Hog DE gets upfield on the pass rush and Matt finds a crease inside as the linebacker overruns the play as he keys the RB.
Video 4 – Another first down for Parrish and the Rebs
What’s an initial drive without THREE fourth down attempts? And the Chart says, “Let’s do it!”
Those who are faint of heart need not apply. It’s Parrish again!
Video 5 – Corral bulldozes for his 7th Rushing TD in 2021
From 5 yards out on first down, Ole Miss lines up in the three-receiver formation to their right, motions a 4th player to that side to create confusion, and then Matt takes the snap and runs off tackle through three unblocked defenders. It reminds me a bit of some ‘70s quarterbacks I know. (That’s a compliment.)
Video 6 – Corral to Drummond for the 67-yard TD
It’s every quarterback’s dream to have both DB’s bite on the Wide Receiver screen when it’s no screen at all. See ya, Dontario!
Video 7 – Corral takes a lickin’ and still scores the 2-pt conversion
We set and reset the formation for the 2-point conversion, then Matt fakes the reverse to John Rhys Plumlee before bootlegging out. After finding no one open, he takes a wicked hit to the head and he’s in.
Video 8 – Corral to Plumlee
At this point during my in-game analyses on The Rebel Walk Forum, I mentioned that if we were going to indeed trade touchdowns, the Rebels defense needed to get a stop so we could get the upper hand in the scoring rotation. It’s exactly what happened after a big sack by LB Chance Campbell, turning the tables with just enough time left in the half.
Plumlee, from the slot receiver spot at the bottom, does a great screen fake before heading upfield. The ball is placed perfectly but what’s most noticeable is the exceptionally aggressive reaction to the flight of the football by JRP.
Video 9 – Corral’s diving TD, 8th on the ground this year
Proving once again that he’s a darned good runner as a quarterback, Matt goes in for the score from the 7. The Rebels line up in the empty set and Matt follows the block of left tackle Nick Broeker and simply refuses to get tackled.
The Rebs now have the lead score for the first time in the game and hope to no longer be playing catch-up.
Video 10 – Henry Parrish, Jr….”Here he goes”
Oh yeah, we see you, Henry Parrish, Jr.
Video 11 – Snooop cuts loose for 51-yard TD
SNOOP! What a huge play after the Hogs had scored 10 unanswered points to tie the game!
Video 12 – Shifty Corral picks up the 1st down
Here’s a scramble by Matt where he employs a little Crazy Legs Hirsch action. You may have to look him up.
Video 13 – Another 4th down converted
It’s 4th and 4 on the opponent’s 45. The Chart says go for it. The Rebels line up in double slots, then run two crossing patterns and hit the curl route in between them. Well-designed and yet another 4th-down conversion.
Video 14 – Snoop takes it to the house for 34-yard TD
SNOOP for another go-ahead score!!
Video 15 – Corral to Sanders…a thing of beauty
I have to admit as I watched Matt sit in that pocket for an eternity, clean as a whistle, I literally threw my play sheet into the air before he ever released the ball. Braylon Sanders on the reception!!
Video 16 – Corral to Sanders on 68-yard TD, “What a Show!”
Another quarterback’s dream is when the cornerback bites on the stop route, and it’s a Braylon Sanders running past him. Here’s the actual game-winner, folks!
But as we know all too well, not necessarily before a ton of drama.
David Walker
David Walker was named Louisiana’s High School Player of the Year at just 16 years old and, at 17, became college football’s first quarterback to earn Freshman of the Year honors. He remains the NCAA’s youngest-ever starting quarterback, a distinction that has stood for decades.
Transitioning from a wide-open high school offense to Emory Bellard’s renowned wishbone triple option, Walker excelled as a dual-threat quarterback. He graduated as Texas A&M’s all-time winningest quarterback and served as a two-time team captain, helping to transform a program that had endured 15 losing seasons in the previous 16 years.
After his playing career, Walker coached and taught algebra at six Texas high schools before moving into private business. In 2011, he published his memoir, “I’ll Tell You When You’re Good,” a title inspired by the coaching philosophy of Shannon Suarez, the Sulphur High and Louisiana High School Hall of Fame coach who was a significant influence on Walker’s life and career.
Walker’s compelling storytelling in his autobiography reflects the breadth of his experiences in high school and college football, and it is an undeniable fact that he saw more action than any athlete in the history of the NCAA. Since 2013, he has contributed to The Rebel Walk, sharing his insights and expertise with readers.
