Ole Miss's defense scoops multiple awards after Oklahoma's second-half dominance

Ole Miss sleepwalked through the first half of the Oklahoma game with sprinkles of explosive plays. The second half was much better, especially from the defense, which allowed zero points to its opponents in the final two quarters.

Suntarine Perkins and JJ Pegues scooped defense awards this past week for their performances in the Oklahoma game.

Ole Miss's defense continues to show up in 2024

One thing that can not be denied is how well the Ole Miss defense has performed. Aside from the first half against the Sooners, the defensive front has been dominant against the run and an aggressive pass rush team. On Saturday against Oklahoma, the team finished with ten sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and five pass deflections.

Linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) led the team in sacks and was awarded the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week and the Walter Camp National Player of the Week. The sophomore was expected to play back-up to Princely Umanmielen, but he has played his fair share of snaps this season. Injuries to Umanmielen have meant he has needed to step up, which he has done and some.

Defensive tackle JJ Pegues also won a weekly award, being picked as the Reese's Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week. Pegues had two sacks and constantly destroyed the offensive line. The senior took on extra work, especially when Walter Nolen left with an injury.

Ole Miss's defense will need to maintain that intensity as they play on the road at Arkansas this coming Saturday.