Ole Miss’ Jared Ivey discusses his ‘thick six’ vs. Tulane, strong bond with his teammates on the D-line
OXFORD, Miss. — While every football fan has likely heard of a pick six, fewer may have heard of a “thick six.” That’s the name Ole Miss defensive lineman Jared Ivey gave for the big fella’s scoop-and-score fumble recovery for a touchdown he made against Tulane Saturday.
Ivey finished the game with four total tackles, one sack and last—but certainly not least — a touchdown!
“That was my first touchdown in college,” Ivey said Monday.
“It was great, we call it a ‘thick six.’ It was a great feeling. I haven’t walked across that solid white line in a long time. Very blessed.”
Jared Ivey on his TD vs Tulane
Just a bite like an old shark 🦈@kharicoleman11 x @jared_ivey1595 pic.twitter.com/ExqZzdMXmC
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 9, 2023
When Jared crossed into the endzone, he spent the next five seconds staring down Tulane fans, letting them know this one was over. Ivey explained the Tulane fans were not so welcoming at Yulman Stadium.
“All I remembered was us coming out and them chanting ‘F, Ole Miss.’ I wanted to stick it to them in that moment. I was getting countless birds and explicit language…I enjoyed it (scoring) in that moment,” Ivey said.
Though the senior pass rusher was pleased with the victory, he acknowledged his Rebels were challenged in the game. But he also believes they learned a great deal from the come-from-behind win. The start of the third quarter found Ole Miss trailing, 17-10, and having to kick the ball to the Green Wave to begin the second half. Instead of panicking, Ivey and the defense responded by allowing just three points in the second half.
“I think that’s super valuable to experience (adversity) early in the season. It’s something we didn’t experience last season and we got hit in the mouth in the back half.”
Jared Ivey on facing adversity vs. Tulane
Not only were the Rebels unchallenged early last season, but they did not face a single ranked opponent on the road through the duration of the 2022 season — which added even more pressure to the environment in New Orleans last Saturday.
Just how big was the road win over a ranked Tulane team? The last time Ole Miss won a true road game over a ranked opponent was November 23, 2017 when the Rebels traveled to Starkville and beat No. 16 Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl.
Depth and love on the defensive line
Defensive line depth was an issue last year, but Ole Miss seems to have remedied that. Ivey explained he felt noticeably better throughout the game which allowed his motor and his mind to stay persistent throughout the contest.
“We went at halftime and did our deal with the hydration…but even going into halftime I felt fresher going into halftime…I felt super fresh and super confident. Mentally fresh, as well. There wasn’t a lot of mental clutter. We made the adjustments (at the half) we needed to make and got the job done,” he explained.
On top of maintaining that “fresh feeling,” Ivey credited the depth, talent, and relationships he has built with the players on the line, ensuring confidence in each other.
“We were able to roll guys and go full speed the whole game. The trust is unbelievable. The bond is like no other bond I’ve had in a room…I’m super grateful to have those guys around me.”
Jared Ivey on his bond with the defensive line
Jared Ivey: “I think we rushed well as a collective. We kept our rush lanes tight. I don’t feel like their backup had a lot of space to go.”
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 11, 2023
Ole Miss hosts Georgia Tech this weekend, and the Rebels will look to go 3-0 on the season before a matchup in Tuscaloosa with the Tide.
For Ivey, cornerback Zamari Walton, defensive lineman Akelo Stone, and running back Jam Griffin, Georgia Tech is exceedingly familiar as all of them spent time wearing the Yellow Jackets’ jersey before arriving at Ole Miss.
“Obviously there are some connections, old guys, and coaches, so it’ll be a good one,” Ivey said of his former team. “It was super fun to play against all of the guys and see them after the game last year, so yeah, it’ll be a good one.”
Game info
Ole Miss and Georgia Tech kick off at 6:30 p.m. in Vaught-Hemingway Saturday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
(Feature image credit: Hannah Morgan White/Ole Miss Athletics)
