Keys to the Game: No. 17 Ole Miss hosts Georgia Tech in final game before SEC action begins
OXFORD, Miss. — No. 17 Ole Miss enters the game 2-0 today against Georgia Tech in Oxford. The Yellow Jackets are not the same team under new head coach Brent Key as they were last season when the Rebels pounded them, 42-0, and should present a little more of a challenge. As of this writing, Ole Miss is a 17-point favorite entering the game.
Here are some keys to the matchup against the Yellow Jackets.
Ole Miss Run Defense
So far this season, the Yellow Jackets are averaging 6.2 yards per rush attempt and 221.5 yards per game on the ground. Their rushing attack is led by running backs Jamal Haynes and Trey Cooley. They have almost a 50-50 split in carries to this point with Haynes at 20 (8.2 yards per carry) and Cooley at 19 (7.6 yards per carry).
It will be important for the Rebels front seven to play sound gap defense to limit explosive runs from the Yellow Jackets. The Ole Miss defense through two games had held opponents to just 102 rush yards per game and 2.5 yards per attempt.
Last week against Tulane, the Green Wave ran the ball 45 times. Expect Georgia Tech to run the ball a lot given their early success doing so through two games. Look for the Ole Miss defense to respond.
Coach Kiffin talked about the depth of the defense and their performance last Saturday in the come-from-behind-win over Tulane.
“I think that (defense) was probably a little overlooked (against Tulane). In the game, 30-3, (the defense) dominated the second half…If our offense had played good, I think we would have been happy with how the game was. To go into that heat on that turf, it was really hot, and that’s something I’m sure they were thinking was to their advantage, and here we are in the second half shutting them out for the most part, except for the field goal.”
Lane Kiffin on Ole Miss defense vs. Green Wave
Let Dart Cook
Jaxson Dart is off to a phenomenal start in the 2023 season. Dart has thrown for 601 yards with six touchdowns to one interception while completing 70% of his passes.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has Dart graded as the top SEC starting quarterback with a 91.4 offense grade. For a comparison, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, currently has a grade of 91.7.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart currently has the 4th-best single-season passing efficiency rating since 1956. 💪🏼https://t.co/CjzhhfQuM1 pic.twitter.com/97KCEB6ax5
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 16, 2023
With go-to wide receiver Tre Harris out, Jordan Watkins and Dayton Wade will carry a heavier load this week. Both Watkins and Wade are more than capable of filling any void Harris leaves, but it will take more than just the two of them to be successful through the air. Look for tight ends Michael Trigg and Kyrin Heath and freshman wide receiver Ayden Williams to step up versus Georgia Tech.
Rebels’ Run Game
First things first. Some sources have indicated preseason All-American Quinshon Judkins might be a little banged up and could see limited action — or be held out — against Georgia Tech in order to make sure he’s healthy for the Alabama game next weekend.
Some injury issues for @OleMissFB on offense tonight against Georgia Tech. Sources tell ESPN that leading receiver Tre Harris is out for the game and that leading rusher Quinshon Judkins is doubtful after being limited in practice this week.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) September 16, 2023
Following on the heels of such a strong rushing attack in 2022, the first two games this season have been underwhelming. Ole Miss sits in 11th place in the SEC in rushing offense, averaging just 116 yards a game — 240 yards per game fewer than in 2022.
Overall after the first two games, Ole Miss has a net of 232 yards on 68 carries, for a 3.4 yard-per-carry average. Last season, the Rebs averaged 5.4 yards-per-carry.
The good news, however, is this could very well be the week the Rebels get things rolling on the ground. Georgia Tech is allowing opponents to rush for 211.5 yards per game and 5.6 yards a carry. And keep in mind, regardless of the yards on the ground, the Rebels are still finding ways to score — through two games they lead the SEC in scoring with an average of 55 points a game.
Regardless of who is in at running back for Ole Miss, we all know everything starts in trenches. The Rebels’ offensive line needs to dominate the line of scrimmage this week, opening up rushing lanes for ball carriers. Coach Kiffin indicated this week he is “highly concerned” about the running game and that it takes everyone for it to be successful.
”That’s very unusual for us, not just here, but really anywhere (not being able to run). It’s just been a long (time), this job, Alabama, FAU, I don’t remember the inability to run the ball at all. So, like I said, they (Tulane) did a great job, but obviously that has a lot to do with us and that’s everybody. That’s perimeter blocking, linemen execution, running back footwork, it’s everything. Running the ball is not like throwing. It takes everybody to have a good running game. We definitely look to improve there, and that’s a major issue and one I don’t think anybody would’ve guessed.”
Lane Kiffin on ground woes
Coach Kiffin has a brilliant offensive mind, of that there is no doubt. You can be sure reviving the run game is at the top of his own ‘keys to the game.’ Look for Ulysses Bentley IV and Jam Griffin to help get the ground game back on track if Judkins is limited or out.
Take Care of Business
With Ole Miss headed to Alabama next weekend for the Rebs’ SEC opener, it is important for Lane Kiffin’s team to play a complete game against Georgia Tech. All three phases need to be on point.
- The offense needs to limit turnovers, convert third downs and be efficient in the red zone. Against Tulane, the Rebels were an abysmal 1-for-13 on third down. That was mitigated a tad by the fact they went 3-for-3 on fourth down conversations and 3-for-3 in the red zone.
- The defense needs to play physical and get off the field on third down. Ole Miss opponents, through two games, are converting 33.33% of the time on third down (12-for-36) and are 3-for-7 (42.8%) on fourth down. They’re also 2-for-2 in the red zone against the Rebels.
- Special teams need to continue executing at a high level as they are in the field goal, extra point, and kickoff facets of the game. We all saw Caden Davis’ 56-yard FG against Tulane last weekend, and the transfer kicker is a perfect 4-for-4 in attempts for the Rebels. The punting game needs to pick up a bit. Ole Miss’ average per kick of 40.5 yards doesn’t sound too shabby — until you factor in they’ve been returnable and have netted the Rebels a meager 26.0 net yards per punt after returns.
So this game offers the Rebels one last non-conference game until November to work out any kinks out before the gauntlet of league play begins. Let’s go, Rebs!
Game info:
Ole Miss and Georgia Tech kick off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
Nick Filipich
Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.
