Trinidad Chambliss proud of Rebels’ fight in win over Oklahoma: ‘We didn’t want to feel like we felt last week’
NORMAN, Okla. – The No. 8 ranked Ole Miss Rebels earned a crucial 34-26 victory against the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners Saturday in Norman.
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss spoke to the media after the win.
He tallied 315 passing yards and scored one touchdown against a tough Oklahoma defense that was ranked No. 1 in the nation, statistically, at the beginning of the contest.
Chambliss praised the Sooners’ defense, specifically Peyton Bowen, as well as head coach Brent Venables.
“Yeah, they got some studs over there. Number five (Bowen) is a really good player, 6-foot-5 tall dude,” said Chambliss, “Coach Venables, he does a great job disguising.”
Chambliss also spoke on the unpredictability and the toughness of the defense in this game, a defense that Lane Kiffin said earlier in the week would “throw everything” at the Rebels.
“Whatever pre-snap I’m going to see is not what I’m going to get post snap. They just bring a lot to you, and we were prepared to be adjusted to the defense. Had to see what the safety would do post snap and whatnot, but yeah, they do a really good job and they’re a really tough defense to be honest.”
Trinidad Chambliss on the Oklahoma defense
When asked about how the hits in this game against Oklahoma compared to other SEC teams, Trinidad said it’s all a part of the game and gave credit to them for their physicality.
“Yeah, I mean, you’re going to take hits in football,” he explained. They are a very aggressive, very physical team, and like I said, I just got to give credit to them. They get their guys ready each weekend and each week out.”
Chambliss talked about Ole Miss’ crucial 4th quarter drive after Oklahoma had taken the lead. On this drive, the Rebels marched down the field in 11 plays, for 75 yards to take the lead back.
“Yeah, just finished the game off strong. Don’t get too high, don’t get too low. In the fourth quarter, the crowd’s going to get louder. Defense is probably going to play a little bit harder. Just stay consistent, just stay solid and play hard and finish the game.”
Trinidad Chambliss on the Rebels’ 4th quarter play
Trinidad explained the mindset of countering the comeback Oklahoma mounted, compared to last week against Georgia where they were unsuccessful.
“We just didn’t want to feel how we felt last week. We made it so that we don’t want to feel that again. That’ll never happen again. We just need to finish the game.”
Trinidad Chambliss
Trinidad was asked what it was like to secure the win and silence the crowd.
“It’s a great feeling,” he began. “A lot of people are in this fan base and they are very passionate. Historical program in Oklahoma. Yeah, it’s a great feeling, shushing the crowd, and having the crowd be a little bit quieter towards the end of the game and whenever we score too,” he said.
Chambliss, ever the team player
Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons went in the game for Trinidad Chambliss for a couple of key red zone plays during the game. Chambliss was asked about staying mentally prepared when Simmons comes into the game.
“Yeah, it’s fine,” Chambliss said. “I’m trusting our coaching staff for whatever play call they have for me or Austin. It’s been great so far.”
Running back Kewan Lacy notched a big time 28-yard rushing touchdown early for the Rebels. Lacy would score 2 touchdowns on 78 yards rushing for the game. His outstanding pass-blocking continues to be a highlight of the Missouri- transfer’s many capabilities.
When asked about Lacy’s pass-blocking, Chambliss offered very high praise for the breakout running back.
“Oh, Kewan’s very physical. He doesn’t back down from any linebacker that comes downhill and tries to blitz. He may not look like he’s the biggest guy. He isn’t, but you wouldn’t know. He’s a really physical blocker and he takes pride in that.”
Chambliss on Lacy as a pass-blocker
Chambliss also talked about tight-end Trace Bruckler and how it was for him to have that moment today as he comes from a smaller program at New Mexico — similar to how Trinidad came in and made a splash from Ferris State. In the game, Buckler recorded a touchdown on what was just his third reception of the entire season.
“Trace is such a hard worker,” Trinidad noted. “He shows up, puts his head down, and doesn’t complain. He’s just a great dude to be around in general. I’m happy that he got that score. I think he did a little dance. It’s crazy to think about where I was a year ago playing. Playing some teams that weren’t as good as Oklahoma. But yeah, it’s a dream come true. I just got to thank God, really. It’s been a great ride so far.
On Environments, Emotions, and Messages
Chambliss was also asked about playing in these highly-charged away environments with raucous crowds.
“It’s awesome. I’m enjoying every environment,” he said. “It’s cool. It’s kind of like a video game…Our practices, we really do a good job making it sound the same with speakers and whatnot. So, they get us prepared.”
Chambliss went on to explain his emotions after the Rebels’ big win.
“Very happy that we got the win,” he said. “Last week, we were very disappointed that we couldn’t get the win. I’m just proud of our defense really. They stepped up, made some huge stops that we needed,” Chambliss added.
The senior quarterback shared a little about Coach Kiffin’s message to the team after the win.
“He’s happy that we bounced back,” Chambliss said. “He was really excited to see how we would respond to losing to Georgia. We responded really good and the whole week of practice we were prepared and we just wanted to get the win and it’s a great feeling to be 1-0 again.”
What’s Next
The Ole Miss Rebels return back home to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to play South Carolina on November 1st. Time is TBD on ESPN.
Parks Burcham
Parks Burcham is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi. He is majoring in Journalism, emphasis in Sports Media, with a minor in Sports Management. He is originally from Booneville, Mississippi and graduated high school from Jumpertown Attendance Center.His favorite sports are basketball and football. He chose this path because he has always been extremely interested in the sports world. Parks enjoys all aspects of the game and hopes to do great work in this field.
