Ole Miss football’s 30-23 comeback win at Kentucky revealed crucial truths about the Rebels’ identity, strengths, and areas to address as SEC play heats up. Here's a closer look at four key takeaways from the victory as we get ready for Arkansas on Saturday night:
1. Austin Simmons’ Resilience Is a Major Asset
Starting quarterback Austin Simmons struggled early, tossing two first-quarter interceptions and putting Ole Miss in a 10-point hole. However, Simmons bounced back to complete game-changing throws - including a 55-yard strike on fourth-and-one. He also orchestrated multiple scoring drives, showing both composure and leadership. His resolve gave the Rebels stability and proved he can respond to adversity, a trait that will be vital as the schedule toughens
He still looks like a young QB. He seems to get rattled easily and looked pretty shaken early last Saturday. However, he was able to settle down and led the team back to a major win on the road. He will have to be better overall if this Rebel team wants to accomplish anything of significance, but they took the first big step towards that. He will have another chance to improve this weekend.
2. The Offensive Line Remains a Work in Progress
Despite the win, Ole Miss’s offensive line struggles surfaced again, as Kentucky’s pass-rush pressured Simmons into bad decisions and turnovers. While the Wildcats didn’t log any sacks, protection breakdowns contributed to offensive inconsistency and emphasized that improvement in the trenches is needed if Ole Miss hopes to maximize its offensive potential and protect its young quarterback.
3. A Ground-and-Pound Identity Is Emerging
The game confirmed that Ole Miss is evolving into a run-first offense, with Kewan Lacy leading the way for the second consecutive week. Lacy exploded for 138 yards and a touchdown, and Simmons added a rushing score of his own. The Rebels tallied 220 rushing yards as a team, leaning on their ground attack to change momentum and control the game, signaling a successful transition from their previous pass-heavy approaches. The concern here is if the offensive line will be good enough to keep up this level. Lacy has been a total revelation for this team and provided an element to the offense that was completely missing last season.
4. The Defense Bends But Stiffens When Needed
The Rebels’ defense struggled in spots, allowing some chunk plays, but repeatedly delivered stops at key moments - forcing six three-and-outs, two turnovers on downs, and holding Kentucky to 5-of-16 on third down conversions. Ole Miss limited the Wildcats to only a field goal in the final 20 minutes, showcased strong late-game pass rush, and proved capable of creating chances for the offense to pull ahead and seal the win
Together, these four lessons paint a promising - if imperfect - picture of Ole Miss: a resilient, run-first team with a developing young quarterback, a defense rising to clutch moments, and an offensive line that must improve if the Rebels’ early momentum is to continue in SEC play. They need to get through this early portion of the season unharmed if they want a shot at the CFP, and that journey continues this weekend against the Arkansas Razorbacks.