Rebels’ rushing performance continues as focal point this weekend versus LSU
OXFORD, Miss. – Successfully running the ball is demoralizing for an opposing defense, as it opens the playbook for offenses to exploit defensive deficiencies. However, Ole Miss did not need to open the playbook much beyond rushing plays in the 48-34 statement win over Auburn last week.
“Whatever they said, I think that’s the most yards in 10 years in an SEC vs. SEC game. We’ve had two really explosive run games — against Georgia Tech and that game. We’ve got to be consistent and run the ball really well.”
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin at Monday press conference
Consistency and running well were staples against Auburn as the Rebels’ offense racked up 448 rushing yards, including three rushers (QB Jaxson Dart, RB Zach Evans, and RB Quinshon Judkins) each eclipsing one hundred yards.
Three Headed 🐐 @Runzekerun01@qaj4_ @JaxsonDart #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/HntbCx0YDp
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 16, 2022
While Kiffin acknowledged the successes of the running game this past week, he reiterated that those numbers are hard to come by in the SEC.
“The numbers aren’t going to be like that every week,” Kiffin said.
“People coach. They gear up to stop certain plays once you run them. It’s not like we were just running normal inside zone and making all those yards. There were a lot of schematical perimeter runs and crack-blocking and things in there that people will coach up. You don’t get to just keep running the same plays and they work for very long in my opinion.”
Lane Kiffin
With a road game versus LSU looming this weekend, Kiffin was asked about Tigers’ QB Jayden Daniels, whose successful rushing and passing performances in SEC play pose a threat to the Rebel defense.
“I thought he played great the other night running and throwing,” Kiffin said about Daniels.
“I’ve seen him before when he was transferring, just seeing him over time. Very explosive player, and then they seem to have the receivers going and really were great on third down and great in general whenever they were throwing the ball.”
Lane Kiffin on LSU QB Jayden Daniels
SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week Jared Ivey understands the challenge at hand this week when defending Daniels, and his defense looks to improve upon its performance against Auburn.
“We’ve just got to come and play more physical, be able to make our checks and our reads, and go out there and play a more violent game,” Ivey said.
The Rebel defense gave up a season-high 301 rushing yards to Auburn last week, including 179 yards and two touchdowns to Tiger RB Tank Bigsby. Ivey explained that they continue to practice tackling, which was a downfall in last week’s game.
“There is a lot of things that we do,” Ivey said. “We do bag work, donut stuff, and a live period on Tuesday with the tight ends. So, anything we can do to get some tackling in, we take full advantage of that time.”
While the offense looks to continue its rushing success and the defense looks to learn from its mistakes, Kiffin explained that there is another factor at play this week: the crowd. Tiger Stadium has historically been a nightmare for road teams, especially for Ole Miss, who has not won in Baton Rouge since 2008.
“A lot of teams have performed not very well there. They’ve got a great winning record over the years there. Their crowd understands football and is into it as much as any place you go.”
Lane Kiffin on Tiger Stadium
Kiffin hopes to continue the team’s undefeated season and break the Rebels’ six-game losing streak in Death Valley.
“We just have to stay focused and play each play and do your job,” Kiffin said. “[There are] a lot of challenges of just staying focused and doing things really well. It’ll be very challenging.”
Up Next:
The Rebels will attempt to go 8-0 for the first time since the team’s last national championship in 1962 and will continue their quest for the SEC West crown in Baton Rouge this Saturday against LSU. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. on CBS.
(Feature image credit: Dan Anderson, The Rebel Walk)
Trevor Terminie
Trevor is a senior at Ole Miss pursuing a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Sports Communication and Promotion. He has previous experience covering sports for another site, including a variety of Ole Miss sports. Growing up in New Orleans, La., he has the Pelicans and Saints running through his blood. He also grew up in an LSU family, but his love for Ole Miss continues to grow. Trevor hopes to cover sports back in his hometown after college. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
