‘We’ve Got to Do Better:’ Chambliss Shoulders Responsibility, Eyes Improvement Ahead of Georgia Showdown
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was honest about his and the team’s performance after No. 4 Ole Miss’ 24-21 victory against Washington State on Saturday, which makes the Rebels 6-0 on the season. Chambliss was adamant about how the team did not play up to the normal standard set by the Rebels.
“I didn’t play as well as I should have as a quarterback. And that’s a lot on me as a quarterback…” he said after the Washington State game.
The senior quarterback, who passed for 253 yards and had 3 total touchdowns on the day was outspoken on the team’s slow start and playstyle this game.
Accountability
When asked about the offensive performance and today’s slow start, Chambliss spoke of the team being able to drive down field, but being unable to execute in the red zone.
“I feel like we didn’t execute as an offense. We were driving the whole game, moving the ball. We just couldn’t finish in the red zone when we were in there, on the other side of the ball or on the other side of the field.”
He also said the team was prepared for the game, but didn’t play up to the Rebels’ usual pace of the game.
“We were prepared all week,” Chambliss said. “We didn’t take this (last) week off lightly, especially the bye week. We were focused. We just didn’t come out and play fast and we just didn’t execute.”
Chambliss took a lot of accountability as quarterback for the Rebels. He felt he should be executing better in key moments.
“I didn’t play as well as I should have as a quarterback,” he said. And that’s a lot on me as a quarterback, you know, moving the ball, executing on third downs and really pushing the tempo and making the right choices and making plays.”
Chambliss gave Washington State credit for playing a tough game, but says the team saw their play as below where they should be.
“It’s unacceptable to play how we played today,” the Rebels’ QB noted. Washington State played great. Credit to them. They’re a tough team. But we’re a better team than what we put out there today. We got the win, you know? That’s all that matters. But we got to do better.”
Praise for the offense around him
While the game did not go as well as Ole Miss had hoped for, Chambliss had high praise for Kewan Lacy and the wide receiving corps after today’s game.
When asked how his job was made easier by being able to pass the ball off to players like Lacy, Chambliss offered his thoughts on the transfer running back and what he brings to the team.
“It helps a lot as a quarterback having a running back that is as explosive as Kewan. You know, getting tough yards, yards after contact is huge. It’s critical for our offense. Our O-line did a great job blocking up front and creating holes. But yeah, it definitely helps to have a great running back like Kewan.”
Chambliss on Lacy
Chambliss was also asked about receivers Dae’Quan Wright and De’Zhaun Stribling and what he saw out of them.
“Same as usual. Always trust my guys,” Chambliss said. “Always trust the receivers to make plays when I throw them the ball in space. Dae’Quan is a solid tight end. He’s always reliable just like any of our other receivers as well, like Strib. Those were the guys that were open and they had a great day today.”
Georgia and rest of season
Chambliss was asked his thoughts on the upcoming road game at Georgia. He says they are a tough opponent, but the Rebels have to start preparing and keep the same mentality they have had all season.
“Yeah, Georgia’s a tough opponent but we just got to focus on us, do what we do best, and have a great week of preparation and a great week of practice. But, yeah, definitely excited for that. Same mentality is to be 1-0 every week.”
Trinidad Chambliss
When asked about the messaging to himself after this game, Chambliss highlights how they cannot play like this if they want to beat the tougher opponents remaining on their conference schedule.
“Yeah, you want every game to go smooth and to not face adversity and to not see any bumps in the road throughout the whole game. But we know that’s going to happen for each game. And honestly it’s a wake up call for us coming off a bye week. And we know that if we play like how we played today, we’re going to get beat pretty badly. We got a tough conference. We play South Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma. So we just got to be prepared every week and just have a faster start. And like I said, when we faced adversity just stay even keel.”
Trinidad Chambliss
What’s Next
The Ole Miss Rebels will travel to Athens, Georgia, next Saturday for a marquee SEC showdown with The Georgia Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC and will be the location for ESPN’s College GameDay.
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.
