In a Nutshell: Keys to Ole Miss’ dominating 73-7 win over Mercer

OXFORD, Miss. – Here’s a quick glance at Ole Miss’ 73-7 win over Mercer Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. 

THE POSITIVE: Jaxson Dart’s improvement 

On the morning of the season opener, Lane Kiffin announced Jaxson Dart as his starting QB for week 1. The theory has always been QBs make huge jumps in year two in any system, and Dart seems to have made that jump in 2023.  

The USC transfer, in his second season with Ole Miss, completed his first eleven passes of the game before throwing an incompletion, tossing three TDs in the first half, alone. Only playing two-and-a-half quarters, Dart tallied 334 yards through the air and added 36 on the ground, going 18-23 with four TDs.

The Rebel QB1 looked as calm as he’s ever been in the pocket, really going through his progressions on every play. 

QB1's Q1 ➡️ @JaxsonDart

11-for-11
254 total yards
3 TDs pic.twitter.com/DspxhSJqyy

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 2, 2023

THE NEGATIVE: Broken Plays 

There is never much to complain about when you win big, but coaches always say there is something you can work on. There is no doubt the Pete Golding defense is still working out the kinks, but nonetheless, it was a great debut for the new scheme. 

It started off a tad rocky. The first Mercer play from scrimmage was a 75-yard TD off a QB draw, not exactly what Golding had planned. However, the Rebel defense really anchored down after that, not really allowing many plays of 20+ yards for the rest of day.

Mercer nearly returned a punt late in the game. The secondary also seemed a bit flustered early in the first quarter before piecing it together. All-in-all, there are things to work through, as expected, but it was a great week-one performance from a team with no experience playing as a unit.  

THE KEY PLAY: Jordan Watkins’ punt return for TD

There were many, many big plays produced by the Rebel offense today, but the most exciting one might have from the special teams unit. Jordan Watkins is one of the few faces returning from last year’s squad, and the senior wideout is projected to have a breakout year. He did just that in the third quarter, returning a punt for 70 yards for a touchdown that extended an already huge Rebel lead. 

You might ask, “Why is this a key play?” Well, last season the Rebs did not have a punt return for a touchdown. In fact, it’s been TEN years since that happened.

Watkins was the primary punt returner a year ago, returning 13 punts for 68 yards. With a couple of returns and a TD today, he is well beyond that total already through just one game. The special teams unit could be one to keep an eye on for the remainder of the year. 

HOUSE CALL!

🏡 @jordantwatkins pic.twitter.com/keJbKx9bgP

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 2, 2023

THE KEY PLAYER: Tre Harris 

Coming into Saturday’s game, everyone knew Tre Harris was WR1 for the Rebs. However, did you think he’d score three times in four minutes? Well, he did just that, and the Louisiana Tech transfer showed immediately why he’s expected to be amongst the best in the country. 

Tre Harris: Tre TDs

👌 @_treharris13 pic.twitter.com/1GPjt3nOJ2

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 2, 2023

 In just the first four minutes of the game alone, Harris caught 3 passes for 3 TDs and 86 yards receiving. Yes, it’s only game one versus a FCS opponent, but Harris sure knows how to make a first impression. He ended with 6 receptions for 133 yards and 4 TDs, which is a new program record for touchdowns in a game.  

THE KEY UNIT: Offensive Line 

A big question going into the offseason was the depth at O-line for the Rebel offense. Lane Kiffin made it a focal point to get guys in rooms of need, and the big boys up front showed their improvements immediately in the run and pass game.  

Dart had no problem with the Mercer pass rush throughout his playing time today; it even seemed like he was just standing in the pocket at times. The additions of Quincy McGee, who started at left guard today, and Victor Curne have already made a noticeable difference up front in terms of performance and rotations.  That depth will become more and more important as the Rebels’ enter SEC play. 

THE MOMENTUM SHIFTER: Jam Griffin’s forced fumble  

Following Harris’s second touchdown catch of the day, the ensuing kickoff consisted of transfer running back Jam Griffin, playing on special teams, forcing a fumble to get the ball back to the offense. Just weeks removed from announcing his transfer to Ole Miss, Griffin has already made an impact play in his debut. 

Special Teams, Special Plays@J_Griffin_6 x @TylerBanks25 pic.twitter.com/vNZZa2LW4a

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 2, 2023

Shortly before the forced fumble, Mercer scored on its first play from scrimmage. After Griffin poked that one out for the special teams unit, the Rebel offense and defense kicked it into another gear, scoring 59 unanswered points en route to the victory.  

What this game means going forward:

A big win over a FCS opponent is typically over-looked, especially when you play in the SEC. However, the Rebs need all the momentum they can get going into a week two battle in New Orleans.  

You can expect top 25 ranked Tulane will be fired up more than ever with a chance to knock off an SEC West team. Ole Miss fans travel well to Nola, and a huge win over Mercer today should make traveling next weekend a little sweeter. 

Our Day 🔴 pic.twitter.com/0PNkxaGat6

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 2, 2023

Hotty Toddy!