Ole Hotty Toddy
Fansided

Ole Miss Football: Five Takeways From The Rebels Season Opener

By Daniel Skipper

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 01: Scottie Phillips #22 of the Mississippi Rebels scores in the second quarter as Jordyn Brooks #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders attempts to keep him out ot the endzone at NRG Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 01: Scottie Phillips #22 of the Mississippi Rebels scores in the second quarter as Jordyn Brooks #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders attempts to keep him out ot the endzone at NRG Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 01: De’Quan Bowman #8 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders takes a hard hit from Kevontae’ Ruggs #27 of the Mississippi Rebels as he runs back a kick in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 01: De’Quan Bowman #8 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders takes a hard hit from Kevontae’ Ruggs #27 of the Mississippi Rebels as he runs back a kick in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Still Questions On Defense

First lets just address the 800 lb gorilla in the room. The Ole Miss defense did allow Texas Tech to run up 486 yards of total offense. That overall number is overwhelmingly concerning for most Ole Miss football fans so lets break it down a little better so it doesn’t look quite so bad. The Rebels allowed just 164 yards on the ground however they did give up 322 yards thru the air. It’s obvious the Rebels improved in run defense from 2017 and while no DC or secondary coach likes to give up 300+ yards, Texas Tech with the Air Raid offense is very capable of putting up seriously gaudy numbers.

Of course, the most important number is the final score and the Rebels defense allowed 27 points. That’s not bad considering it could have been much more but the Rebels did make some key stops when it mattered. The Rebels held Texas Tech to 8 of 19 or 42.1% on 3rd down conversions and 0 of 4 on 4th down conversions. Overall, Rebels fans were happy to see the Rebels defense flying around on the field and making big plays. The key to this defensive unit’s success in 2018 will be their ability to make big stops and get off the field. Considering the Red Raiders ran 95 plays from scrimmage I believe they did a good job.

Next. Season Predictions!. dark

Besides these there were a few other minor things we saw Saturday like speed of the offense being a little slow at time and penalties. We should see those things straightened out as we enter week-two. OHT will have more Ole Miss football news as we get closer to the game this weekend against Southern Illinois. Please be sure to visit and like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. Hotty Toddy!

Home/Ole Miss Football