What did we learn from Ole Miss’ 24-21 win over Washington State?

OXFORD, Miss. — No. 5 Ole Miss edged out Washington State, 24-21, Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway to finish a four-game home stretch and move to 6-0 (3-0 SEC) on the season. This is the Rebels’ best start since 2022 and sets up a huge matchup against the No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs next weekend in Athens. The game has been selected for ESPN College GameDay. 

After the Rebels avenged their loss to LSU from last season, head coach Lane Kiffin’s team soared up the rankings after defeating the Tigers, moving to the No. 4 spot at the time. There are always questions as to how a team will play coming off a bye.

All three phases of Saturday’s game saw good moments for Ole Miss — and some not-so-good moments. Ultimately, as Lane Kiffin says, it’s almost a ‘survive-and-advance’ feeling each week. So, what did we learn from the Rebels’ win over Washington State?

Here are three things we can say about this team:

1. Kewan Lacy and Dae’Quan Wright are the difference between losing close games and winning them

First, let’s look at last season. Ole Miss lost three games in 2024 with a combined 13-point differential. Kentucky garnered their only SEC win of 2024 in a close 20-17 contest in Oxford; LSU never led until the final play in Baton Rouge before winning 29-26 in overtime; and, the Rebels lost 24-17 to Florida in Gainesville without their leading running back playing in the game and with two interceptions on the Rebels’ last two drives.

But why? Why couldn’t a team that many labeled as “the most talented Ole Miss team ever” win close games?

There are a lot of different opinions that can be thrown into that box, but two of the biggest were the lack of a run game and the ineffectiveness of using targets within the pass game.

Enter Kewan Lacy. The Missouri transfer running back has delivered a very effective run game for Ole Miss, and it’s allowing the offense to get out of stagnant situations, as well as opening up a strong red zone offense.

When Lane Kiffin has an effective ground game, he’s able to run his tempo offense to precision; when he doesn’t, it becomes a little bit harder to be successful. Lacy gave a spark to Ole Miss that without a doubt led them to a win.

Tearing up turf against the Cougars, Lacy tallied 142 yards on the ground, a season high for him. While, this was the first game of the season that Lacy didn’t find the end zone, he was critical in the offense moving the ball — and he continues to be beneficial in the pass game.

Lacy is tied for fourth in the country with eight rushing touchdowns after Saturday’s game, and he has continued to be incredibly reliable for Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.

– Lane Kiffin on Kewan Lacy’s performance

That brings us to the tight end position, something proving quite critical to the success of this year’s team. Rebel TE Dae’Quan Wright will be making plays for a NFL franchise on Sunday’s very soon, but for now, Ole Miss fans get to enjoy him.

Wright notched four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown Saturday, and it seems like every catch he’s made this season has been among the most important of the game. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has relied on Wright in big moments, and when a QB has a tight end that can catch any ball and drag defenders with him, it elevates an offense.

But it’s not just the receiving abilities that Wright brings to the table. He has been a pivotal run and pass blocker for Ole Miss this season, and it continued against Washington State. Coach Kiffin has not shied away from placing Wright in the backfield to help protect the run game as well as on the line of scrimmage as a modern tight end.

And that’s what makes Wright so pivotal for the Ole Miss offense His versatility means he can line up in multiple places and make plays as he’s also has lined up frequently at the X spot.

Dae’Quan Wright is one of the leaders for this team, and his voice and play will continue to uplift the entire Ole Miss offense.

2. Kam Franklin is a headache for opposing offenses

Defensive lineman Kam Franklin found himself filling up the stat sheet once again on Saturday.

The 6-foot-5,  275-pound sophomore from Lake Cormorant, Mississippi has been pivotal for Pete Golding’s defense this year, and there’s a reason the defensive coordinator has faith in Franklin.

Franklin finished the day with a staggering stat line: six total tackles, 4 of which were solo, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a forced  fumble. He also recorded one pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. His dynamic correlation between his feet and hands will make Franklin a true superstar in years to come.

Franklin has soared through the ranks because in addition to being incredibly talented, he also is very coachable, Defensive line coach Randall Joyner and Golding have raved about his potential, but for any young player, the key is to learn as much as you can and Franklin has been a sponge. His game looks pure and fluent; his grab and pull techniques are effective; and his agility was on display against the Cougars, as he slipped through the cracks against a solid offensive line.

Washington State offensive coordinator Danny Freund called a fantastic game for the Cougars, mixing up the X’s and O’s continually. Whether it was getting the run game involved with the quarterback or opening up a few deep passes, Washington State always had to account for Franklin. He remained consistent and that is a recipe for success for any defensive player.

Franklin was asked after the game Saturday what the message was to the team from Lane Kiffin.

– Kam Franklin on the message from Lane Kiffin

Franklin ranks third on the team in total tackles after the win over Washington State, and his potential continues to skyrocket. The future is bright for the sophomore who has size, speed, and a great IQ. Trust me, Franklin will be a name to remember when it’s all said and done.

3. Trinidad Chambliss is Human

Rebel fans should not be concerned about whether or not Chambliss is ready for the road stretch Ole Miss is about embark upon, one that includes Georgia and Oklahoma.

Yes, he struggled with some overthrows and under-throws against Washington State and didn’t quite seem like he was on his mark as he had been the three games prior.

But, those games happen and, honestly, this one couldn’t have come at a better time for the Ole Miss QB. A little adversity never hurt anyone, and with the first true road test for Chambliss coming next weekend in Athens, this Washington State game was a perfect example of how he handled negative moments, and what he can do better on moving forward.

Chambliss was the first to acknowledge that he needs to play better than he did Saturday.

– Trinidad Chambliss on his performance against WSU

With all that said, Chambliss still produced, as he continues to have a strong season. He finished the game against the Cougars going 20-for-29, with 253 yards in the air and also found Wright and Cayden Lee for two touchdowns.

He also used his legs in a huge moment today, shaking and baking the Cougars’ defense in the red zone as he found the end zone in the third quarter on a 17-yard rush after escaping pressure.

The Ole Miss offensive line struggled at times Saturday. While Chambliss had only been put on the turf once in his last three starts, he was sacked three times by the Washington State defense.

Some costly penalties also backed the offense out of good field positions at times, and those have to be cleaned up when facing the Georgia Bulldogs.

Chambliss is hard on himself because he expects the best from himself, and that’s a guy you want at the helm of your football team. Ole Miss fans, don’t overreact. The preparation begins now for Georgia, and this offense will rally back.

Next Up

Ole Miss and Georgia kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday and the game will be broadcast on ABC.