Ole Miss Football: Grading Out The Ole Miss/Auburn Game

The Offensive Grades

Ole Miss Rebels Football

Of course the offensive side of the ball looked much better against a very stingy Auburn Tigers defense. We finally saw them go fast and produce positive numbers.

We heard a lot about the coaches making the offense more simply. However, it seems Coach Phil Longo opened a few more pages in the Rebels playbook. Of course, we start with the leader on the offense first.

Passing Offense

Shea Patterson looked more like the Shea we’ve been wanting to see. Of course, his offensive staff played much better and it showed in his own in-game performance.

On the afternoon Shea completed 34 of 51 for 346 yards and 2 TDs. He also gave up no INTs in the game. Shea was only sacked one time in the game which speaks volumes for the offensive line. It was a definite improvement against a really good Auburn defensive front.

Of course, the NWO looked good with AJ Brown leading the corp with 10 receptions for 102 yards. Van Jefferson had 8 reception for 89 yards while Jordan Wilkins mixed into the passing game with 6 catches for 55 yards. DK Metcalf reeled in 4 catches for 28 yards and 2 TDs.

Shea Patterson continues to lead the SEC in completions, attempts and passing yardage going 134 of 202 for 1,792 yards. He also leads the SEC in QB Rating with 156.2.

Shea’s continued improvement hinges on the performance by the rest of the offense. They will continue to improve as the season goes forward. However, because of their effort in the passing game, they deserve this grade.

Passing Grade, A

Rushing Offense

Ok, here’s where it gets a little more complicated on the Rebel offense. So far in three losses the Rebels have only netted a very meager 224 yards on the ground. Although we’ll probably see Shea continue to put up huge passing numbers, we have to run the ball more effectively to win games. We have failed to do that in our losses.

It hasn’t all been bad. Jordan Wilkins continues to run hard and managed 65 yards on 13 carries and a TD. Of course, Jordan garnered the most touches on the day out of the backfield and will probably continue to do so. Honestly, I’d love to see Wilkins get 20+ carries a game going forward.

Playing fast and being able to run the ball will equate into big numbers. The Rebels had 81 plays in the Auburn game with only 30 of those plays being dedicated to the rush. Until the rushing game breaks loose on a regular basis they’ll be resigned to less than average grades.

Rushing Grade, C