Trinidad Chambliss put the SEC on notice in Ole Miss' win over Arkansas

​Call this the Trinidad Chambliss game.

Chambliss, who started at quarterback for an injured Austin Simmons, fought off his own injured hand to lead Ole Miss to a 41-35 win over Arkansas. The Ferris State transfer showed the skill set that led the Bulldogs to a Division II national championship last season, throwing for 353 yards, rushing for 62 yards and producing three touchdowns.

With Simmons available, but extremely hampered by a left ankle sprain, Chambliss was handed the reins to the offense and led the Rebels to touchdowns on their first three possessions. He showed confidence in the pocket and the ability to get the ball to his playmakers in space.

If there were any concerns about Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charliie Weis Jr. opening the playbook, those were quickly answered when Chambliss started attacking the Razorbacks' defense on the second and third drives. He completed passes of 62 and 64 yards to Cayden Lee and Dae'Quan Wright respectively. Both long pass plays resulted in Chambliss calling his own number on short touchdown runs.

Things got a little hairy on Ole Miss' fourth possession, when Chambliss took a hit to his throwing hand and was removed from the game. Simmons came in to replace him and completed the drive, throwing a four-yard touchdown to Trey Wallace, but Chambliss would return for the Rebels' final series of the half, a field goal that gave Ole Miss a 31-28 halftime lead.

Closing out the show

Points were harder to come by for both teams in the second half, but Chambliss did what he needed to as the Ole Miss defense tightened up. He threw his only touchdown pass of the game, a six-yarder to De'Zhaun Stribling to take a 38-28 lead. 

The Rebels tacked on a field goal and Arkansas scored a touchdown to make it 41-35 in the fourth quarter. After an Ole Miss punt, Arkansas was on the move again, but TJ Dottery forced a fumble and Wyclett Williams Jr. recovered the loose ball to end the threat.

With 1:52 remaining in the game, all Ole Miss had to do was get a first down. Chambliss rushed for nine yards on the first two downs and Kywan Lacy converted the 3rd-and-1 with a powerful three-yard run to put the game on ice. 

​The Rebels celebrated their 2-0 start in the SEC by swarming Chambliss, who proved he was ready when Ole Miss needed him.