Ole Miss vs Arkansas: 5 Things We Learned From the Loss

Ole Miss Needs to Make 5* RB Cam Akers Their #1 Priority

The Ole Miss rushing attack is once again non-existent. After the showing against Memphis, most Rebel fans thought that Brazley and Judd would have a good game against the Hogs.

Arkansas should have been a good opponent to earn some rushing yards against as well, as they rank 80th in the nation in rush defense, allowing on average 175.9 yards per game.

The Rebels ran for 150 yards last night, led by Chad Kelly who ran for 89 yards on 14 attempts.

Kelly did have a rushing touchdown last night and looks really good running the ball as usual, but all night I was worried about Kelly going down with an injury. There were multiple plays where Kelly got bent backward by the tacklers.

Even on the final Ole Miss play of the game, Kelly fumbled the ball on 4th down where it appeared like he had the first down. After the play, Kelly was holding his throwing arm and appeared to be in pain.

So what is the issue here? Our two running backs can’t outrush the quarterback? Judd looked slow all night and Brazley was just getting hit at the second level. On average, they rushed for 3.7 and 3.3 yards a carry.

4-star running back D’Vaughn Pennamon is sitting on the Rebel bench right now, but he could see some playing time later in the season if he can keep up the production.

The Rebels also lack some depth at the position after the ACL injury to Eric Swinney and Jordan Wilkins being declared academically ineligible.

So who does Ole Miss turn to for help? Well, the answer might be a few hundred miles south of Oxford.

Cam Akers, a 5-star running back from Clinton High School is the most sought after running back in the country. Watching him play in high school reminds me a lot of Ezekiel Elliot of the Dallas Cowboys.

Akers will have to make a choice between Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Alabama come National Signing Day.

Ole Miss appears to hold the edge, but Ohio State could be a big player due to the NCAA investigation looming over Ole Miss.

Alabama should not be a factor unless Najee Harris decommits from Alabama.

Ole Miss heavily needs Cam Akers. If they do not get Akers, expect them to take a look at Mississippi State commit Kylin Hill from Colombus High School.