Ole Miss Football: Rebels Rally Late To Take Down The Wildcats

Ole Miss football fans were treated to a surprising come from behind win over the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday evening in Lexington.

Ole Miss football has had a rough season thus far. However, the season got just a little better Saturday evening with a come from behind 37-34 win over the Kentucky Wildcats. Trailing 34-30 with just 5 seconds left on the clock Jordan Ta’amu tossed a TD to DK Metcalf to get the win.

The Rebels had a 30-27 lead late in the game however UK scored to make it 34-30 leaving Ta’amu and the Rebels just a little too much time on the clock. With 2:14 left on the clock Ta’amu took his place as leader of the Rebels offense and mastered a drive which Ole Miss football fans will forever remember. In just his second career start Jordan Ta’amu became a Ole Miss legend. Of course Jordan had a little help from DK Metcalf who also saw his legend status take shape.

Defense Steps Up

Ole Miss Rebels Football

Of course, Ole Miss relied on a stingy defense which stepped up big-time in the fourth quarter. The Landsharks made an appearance and were responsible for 3 straight three-and-outs at one point. This defense found something in the second half and played admirably.

According to OleMissSports.com, this was the fourth straight game in which the Landshark D recorded three or more sacks. This defensive line and linebackers corp is finding its way slowly but surely.

In the game the Rebels defense saw 70 Kentucky Wildcat plays. Despite giving up 455 yards of total Wildcats offense they made some big stops when it mattered most. The bend but don’t break Ole Miss defense bent but they did not break.

Coaches Wesley McGriff and Freddie Roach have found the formula for a pass rush and used it the past several weeks to even the porous rush defense.

The Real Story-line

Matt Luke get’s his 4th win of the 2017 season and he coached for it. We’ve been waiting for interim head coach Matt Luke to finally take control of his team and he did Saturday. There is no reason why this team couldn’t win out and finish with a 7-5 season. No, it won’t come easy. However, with ULL, A&M and MOOU I really like our chances.

Sure, Matt Luke is coaching for a new job. Even if they simply have to remove the interim tag on Luke then it’s a new position. With a coaching ‘search firm’ on the books already we can assume Luke may be somewhere else next season. However, none of this is Matt Luke’s fault and personally I’d hate to see he and his family anywhere but Ole Miss.

Next: We Won...Time For Bold Predictions!

Against Kentucky I believe Matt Luke found his position as part of this staff. When it mattered most on Saturday evening Matt Luke solidified himself as part of the 2018 Ole Miss Rebels, unless of course he finds a better offer. Honestly, I hope he doesn’t. Hotty Toddy!