Ole Miss shuts out Presbyterian, 48-0
By Dave Bevan
OXFORD, Miss. – So, what was the significance of the Rebels win today other than the “W?” Besides establishing their first successful run game of the season, Ole Miss was able to do exactly what they wanted to do today.
The goal was to control the game, rest the starters, try new plays, and give the future talent a chance to shine. They accomplished all of those goals.
Bo Wallace only needed the first two quarters to get the job done.
The senior quarterback is well on his way to surpassing Eli Manning’s school record of total offense yards (9,948). Through the first half, Wallace went 11/15, 140 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He is now 113 yards shy of Eli’s record, and has at least three games left to break the record.
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Wallace also rushed for 15 yards and recorded a rushing touchdown.
The 8-2 Ole Miss Rebels recorded their most successful rushing game of the season. Several Rebel backs would receive opportunities to express their talent, and they did just that.
Freshman running back Jordan Wilkins lead the pack with 171 yards on 10 attempts. Wilkins longest run came in the fourth quarter where he ran a 73-yard touchdown, resulting in the game’s final scoring drive.
Sophomore running back Mark Dodson also had a big day. Dodson ran two 60-plus yard touchdowns in the first half to really put the game out of reach at this point. Dodson finished with three carries for 128 yards, averaging 42.7 per carry, and also had two touchdown runs.
Senior wide receiver Vince Sanders stepped up as a leader for Ole Miss’ receivers today. Sanders finished with 110 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. The first touchdown came in the opening drive of the game, and was for 66 yards from a pass by Wallace.
Derrick Jones, who had been playing primarily on defense this season, made the switch to offense as a wide receiver during practice this week. Jones had five receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown in the shut out win over Presbyterian.
Red shirt freshman quarterbacks DeVante Kincade and Ryan Buchanan received quality playing time today. Kincade was the most impressive at times, as he recorded his first ever collegiate touchdown pass. It is projected both quarterbacks will be fighting for the new starting role next season.
The Ole Miss offense recorded some big numbers today. They totaled 640 offensive yards, 238 passing, and 402 in rushing.
For 33 consecutive games now, the Ole Miss defense has recorded at least one turnover in a game. The Landshark defense pulled in an interception by senior linebacker Serderius Bryant and a fumble recovery by freshman linebacker Tayler Polk.
Bryant would also finish with four tackles and Polk finished with two.
Senior defensive end Carlos Thompson lead the defense with 7 tackles, which 1.5 resulted in a loss of three yards.
Sophomore defensive end Fadol Brown finished behind Thompson with four tackles, three of which resulted in a loss of 10 yards.
Senior linebacker Keith Lewis also finished four tackles, but left the game in the second half with a concussion.
Ole Miss now moves to 8-2 on season with two SEC games left to play. Next weekend, they will enjoy a well-deserved bye week. This will give time for key starters like Laremy Tunsil, Robert Nkemdiche, Cody Prewitt, and Keith Lewis a chance to recover, as they have been battling injuries for the ladder part of the season. The Rebels will now prep for a Nov. 22nd road game against Arkansas and the Egg Bowl on Nov. 29th to end the regular season.