Column | Here’s what we learned from Ole Miss’ 30-14 victory over South Carolina

OXFORD, Miss. — The Ole Miss Rebels moved to 8-1 after defeating South Carolina, 30-14, on Saturday night, handing the Gamecocks their fourth straight loss. The Rebels displayed great efforts in all three phases of the game and have really seemed to come together, performing at a high level against the Gamecocks.

So what did we learn from the win? 

If we didn’t already know it, Kewan Lacy is a superstar

Another game in the books for Ole Miss, and another big night for running back Kewan Lacy — a career night, to be exact. Lacy tallied 167 rushing yards against South Carolina, a career best for the Dallas, Texas native.

Lacy continues to drive and create so many things for an Ole Miss offense that is rolling right along this season. With an eye for the end zone, Lacy’s 54 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped seal the win for Ole Miss and showcased everything that Lacy has done so well this season. In any given moment, he can create something out of nothing; his ability to break tackles and shift his body to juke defenders is a coach’s dream.

Kewan Lacy has been incredible this season 🔵🔴

– 9 Games Played
– 189 Carries
– 984 Total Yards
– 13 Rush TD (SEC Leader)pic.twitter.com/qgTZePSuHQ

— Not Ole Miss Problems (@OleMissNoProb) November 2, 2025

The Ole Miss running back has now put up 13 rushing touchdowns on the season, placing him second in the country behind Georgia Tech QB Haynes King.

Not only creating big moments with his legs, Lacy is an all around running back, putting him in the superstar category. Sure, it’s important to have great abilities in the open field and hit the right gaps as a running back, but it’s just as important to be a great pass blocker–and his proving very adept at that.

Listed at 5’11 and 200 pounds, Lacy used every bit of his strength in the backfield against South Carolina, allowing Trinidad Chambliss to make things happen with his legs and arm. The importance of a running back that shows great team qualities and is willing to put his body on the line to ensure success for his teammates is a trait you simply cannot teach.

Everything that Kewan Lacy gives Ole Miss is truly remarkable. His success is also a team effort. The offensive line has continued to gel together. Giving up just one sack in the last three games, the boys up front have contributed greatly to the success in the run game this season.

The Ole Miss defense performed at a very high level

It was just a few weeks ago when Ole Miss fans were dismayed at the defensive performance against the Georgia Bulldogs, and rightfully so. When you give up over 500 yards of total offense like the Rebels did against Georgia, and do not make one, single stop in the game, questions will arise. But things have completely turned around since then, and Pete Golding had his squad rolling against the Gamecocks Saturday.

The Ole Miss defense forced two interceptions from LaNorris Sellers and sacked him six times. With some marquee matchups, Ole Miss shined, and it was a collective effort.

Defense was swarming 🦈

230 total yds allowed (fewest vs. SEC since 2023)

6️⃣ sacks | 8️⃣ TFLs | 2️⃣ INTs#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/jRw68gn6mK

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) November 2, 2025

Kam Franklin, Will Echoles, and Princewill Umanmielen all wreaked havoc against South Carolina, opening up major success for the rest of the defense. These guys stepped up tremendously against South Carolina, and their presence helped guys like Suntarine Perkins and Andrew Jones have more freedom in the open field.

A dominant front line leads to a successful defense, as Sellers finished the game with a mind boggling -17 rushing yards. Da’Shawn Womack also provided a sack, and his size and quickness made him a problem for the Gamecocks’ offense all night long.

The players are there for Ole Miss; they just needed to put it all together, and they did against South Carolina.  If it wasn’t for a muffed punt after the first drive of the game, the Ole Miss defense could have held South Carolina to fewer than 14 points.

Linebacker Andrew Jones has been spectacular for Ole Miss. Coach Golding knew changes needed to be made following the Georgia game, and Jones has provided a great spark. Jones’ presence will serve to remind players that competition is real — at every position.

Kapena Gushiken had another solid game, while Arkansas transfer defensive back Jaylon Braxton also showcased some great moments in the win, finishing the game with four tackles.

Ole Miss grinded and clawed against the Gamecocks, making every drive a headache for the opposing team.  A relentless attack on the quarterback allowed the Rebels to hold South Carolina to just 50 yards rushing, which is the lowest amount against the Rebels this season.

Special teams matter

Saturday was a clear indicator that Lane Kiffin trusts his special teams players and staff. The Ole Miss head coach pulled out all the stops against South Carolina.

True freshman punter Oscar Bird showcased his speed and field-reading abilities early in the game, and the team rallied behind him. On what turned out to be a fake punt after the first drive of the game, Bird would find open grass and rush for 18 yards, giving life to the Ole Miss crowd early. Bird’s play this season has been phenomenal, and this moment showcased just how many tricks Coach Kiffin has up his sleeves.

Oscar Bird : 3 punts for 112 yards, averaged 37.3 yards per punt, downed 1 inside the 20 & 1 carry for 18 yards pic.twitter.com/1HVg6Q00As

— Lee Harvey (@Sayian_Warrior) November 2, 2025

“The fake punt was something we saw on film, felt like something we could roll out there, and that they wouldn’t be there,” Coach Kiffin said after the game.

Kicker Lucas Carneiro also tallied nine points for Ole Miss Saturday, and Kiffin has not shied away from relying on his kicker this season. The Western Kentucky transfer is 19-for-21 on field goal attempts this season, and he’s been incredibly effective for Ole Miss, helping create space in the score late in games.

Coach Kiffin has rolled the dice with his kicker this season on more occasions than some would think, and it’s worked out in his favor. The importance of Caden Davis against Georgia in 2024, for one, comes to mind, and this 2025 team has found its guy.

Saturday was another great showing for Carneiro, who has earned the respect from his head coach and fans. He is 4-for-5 on kicks from the 40-49 yard lines, and a perfect 6-for-6 on kicks within the 30-39 yard lines.

“Yeah, they’ve (special teams) done a great job, I think the kicker (Carneiro) probably doesn’t get enough credit. The guys have done an amazing job. Games feel a lot different when you’re at six and nine (points ahead),” Kiffin said Saturday.

Up Next

Ole Miss hosts The Citadel Saturday with kickoff set for Noon CT.