Ole Miss defense scoops SEC honours

Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) chases down Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) chases down Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ole Miss moved to 6-1 on the season with a 28-21 win over Auburn on Saturday evening. The offense didn’t play up to their usual standard. Luckily, the defense had one of their best games, helping ensure the Rebels took the win. A couple of players from the Ole Miss defense have been given the nod by the SEC, with weekly honours.

The Rebels defense has put together solid performances in their last two outings. It’s taken some time for new DC Pete Golding to get a tune out of his Ole Miss defense, but it seems to be starting to click.

This week, the defense held Auburn to just 275 offensive yards and just 10 first downs. The previous game they held Arkansas to just 286 offensive yards, with just 36 coming from a very dangerous rushing attack.

However, it was from this weeks game where two of the Ole Miss defensive players have scooped SEC weekly awards.

Linebacker Suntarine Perkins has been given the SEC freshman of the week. Perkins had 5 tackles, with one of those a big tackle for loss on QB Robby Ashford, stopping a potential huge gain if he got away. Perkins also made the 247sports true freshman midseason All-American team last week.

The other Rebel defensive player to be honoured was Cedric Johnson Jr. The senior was SEC defensive lineman of the week. Johnson Jr had 5 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, taking him to 24 tackles on the season and on track to beat his current best of 32.

The defense looks to be gelling at the right time, with it being key to a strong finish to the season for the Rebels.

As mentioned, it’s taken a few games for Golding to get what he wants from the defense, with a few teething problems early on. In week 5 against LSU, the secondary was called out by HC Lane Kiffin after a disaster of a game. Although, the Tigers can do that to most college football teams.

Right now, it looks like the Pete Golding hire is a good one. If weekly awards keep rolling in, then he will be a very happy DC.

Next. Small jump for Ole Miss in the AP Poll. dark