Three Things We Learned From Ole Miss’ Win Over Kentucky

OXFORD, Miss. — Before we turn the page completely to the Arkansas game, let’s take a look at what we learned from the road win over Kentucky Saturday. The team’s mentality was on display as they came from ten points down in the second quarter, winning 30-23.

There was plenty to be excited about, and a whole chunk of what we learned came from the win. Here are three things that stood out after the game in Lexington.

Austin Simmons Has No Problem with Adversity

Quarterback Austin Simmons has seen his fair share of adversity in the first two games as the new Ole Miss starter. He handled it well in the first game against a lesser opponent, Georgia State. The stakes were raised much more as he faced his first SEC road game in Lexington. The start couldn’t have been much worse, as Simmons threw two interceptions, which resulted in ten points for the Wildcats.

But what we saw from Simmons fills me with confidence, as he helped take the offense down the field on a pivotal drive to make it a three-point game. The major play was the 4th and 1 on the Rebels’ side of the ball, finding Harrison Wallace III with a pinpoint throw.

Harrison Wallace III had his 2nd straight 100 yard + receiving day for the Rebels pic.twitter.com/0lbk46Ne4H

— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) September 7, 2025

Simmons also played through pain after getting roughed up in the game, before ultimately coming out with an ankle injury. Even then, however, he went back in for the final play. His mental and physical toughness bode well for the team.

This Team Can Dig Deep in Trying Times

It’s not only Austin Simmons who dug deep during the game; both sides of the ball stepped up. Lane Kiffin mentioned that last season the team was not able to close out the game in the home loss to Kentucky. This year’s team, however, managed the final minutes of the game well.

With six minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Ole Miss defense stopped Kentucky on downs. Leading by seven, the offense took three minutes off the clock and added a field goal to make it a two-score game. The Wildcats did score an ensuing field goal, but special teams recovered the onside kick, securing the win. It’s only the second game, but the mentality feels different for this team.

Kewan Lacy and Harrison Wallace III are Big Time Playmakers

Ole Miss has brought in some quality playmakers on offense via the transfer portal, and running back Kewan Lacy and wide receiver Harrison Wallace III are the real deal. Currently, after the first two games of 2025, Lacy is the SEC rushing leader with 246 yards, while Wallace III is the SEC receiving leader with 247 yards.

Ground & Air Attack 🔥

Through week 02:
Kewan Lacy ➡️ SEC rushing leader (246)
Harrison Wallace III ➡️ SEC receiving leader (247)#ComeToTheSip | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/wjvDBUXW2P

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 8, 2025

Both players had huge plays in the Kentucky game, none more notable than the two on the first touchdown drive.

Kewan Lacy has 21 missed tackles forced through two games this season.

No one has more then Lacy this season. If you haven’t yet seen him, he’s special.
pic.twitter.com/gMcjklhl0j

— T.J. (@TJOxley1) September 7, 2025

Lacy had another touchdown and another 100+ rushing yards game, while Wallace also made it back-to-back 100 yards receiving games. On the road in the SEC and only their second game in the offense, Lacy and Wallace III show there is plenty to be excited about.