In a Nutshell: Ole Miss handles adversity, comes from behind to defeat Tulane, 37-20

NEW ORLEANS — Here’s a quick look at Ole Miss’ 37-20 win over Tulane in New Orleans on Saturday.

THE POSITIVE: Jaxson Dart 

Despite being under heavy pressure during the course of the game, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart continued to show improvements in his decision making from a year ago.

The patience and accuracy of the 2nd-year starter really stood out a week ago, and he added to that statement this week making some big time throws late, really showing off his awareness.

The Rebel QB hit 17 of his 27 passes today for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns, a big-time performance from No. 2 in the red and blue.

THE NEGATIVE: Rushing attack

Last week’s performance against Mercer was one of the better performances we’ve seen from this experienced Rebel offensive line; however, the Green Wave front played the role of disrupters early in this one.

Preseason All-American Quinshon Judkins was held to 48 yards on 18 carries, but he could not be stopped on this touchdown run.

Can’t Stop Q@qaj4_ pic.twitter.com/IXz3syRz9H

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 9, 2023

 Jaxson Dart did all he could to stay in the pocket, but the big boys upfront seem like they may have some things to sort out as the season progresses.

THE KEY PLAYs: Dart to Wade and Trigg 

A ‘SportsCenter top 10’ type of catch from Dayton Wade put the Rebs in scoring position to put it away with around five minutes to go.

What. A. Big. Play. D-Wade! https://t.co/XUebKwoTOK pic.twitter.com/f2zCkFfc8n

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 9, 2023

Jaxson Dart did just that, putting Tulane away, as he eluded the Green Wave defense like he had all day, throwing a touchdown pass to none other than Michael Trigg. This could be a good sign for the Rebel tight end room.

DART TO TRIGG🎯

HUGE touchdown for Ole Miss on 4th and 4pic.twitter.com/sLbIacE5t0

— On3 (@On3sports) September 9, 2023

THE KEY PLAYER: Isaac Ukwu 

It’s hard to beat the performance Dart and Wade put on for the Rebel passing attack, but if you watch the Ole Miss defense today Isaac Ukwu put on a clinic.

The JMU transfer was in the backfield every other play, making it hard for Green Wave quarterback Kai Horton to scan the field. Ukwu finished with 6 tackles, 2 TFLs and a sack.

Fire us up @isaacukwu! 🔥

📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/JboIW4gA4Z

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 9, 2023

THE KEY UNIT: The DBs 

Tulane backup QB Kai Horton proved he was up to the task early after starter Michael Pratt was announced ‘out’ moments before kickoff. 

However, the Rebel secondary settled in and started making plays all over the field. Daijahn Anthony, Zamari Walton and John Saunders Jr. all showed why Lane Kiffin went to the portal to get them this offseason, breaking up pass after pass.

Deantre Prince put on a player-of-the-game performance as well, breaking up passes and coming up with a huge INT that resulted in Ole Miss taking the lead.

Going Our Way ↪️@prince_deantre pic.twitter.com/QGef820xzN

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 9, 2023

THE MOMENTUM SHIFTER: Jordan Watkins’ catch and run 

The Rebel offense went stagnant after a three-play drive to begin the game that ended in a touchdown pass to Tre Harris.

But a 29-yard dump off pass to Jordan Watkins in the fourth seemed to be the shift this offense needed, as they capitalized on big play after big play following the catch and run from the Rebel wideout.

WHAT THIS GAME MEANS GOING FORWARD

A late push for the Rebels proved to be enough this week against a tough Tulane squad. The Rebels hit the road to Tuscaloosa in two weeks for a big time matchup against the Crimson Tide, but next week Georgia Tech takes a visit to the Vaught. The Rebs won in Atlanta 42-0 a season ago.

Ranked Road Win ✅ pic.twitter.com/kSc19DDB03

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 9, 2023

(Feature image credit: Ole Miss Athletics)