Oklahoma aimed to establish its ground game and leverage quarterback Jackson Arnold’s mobility, but Ole Miss’s defense took center stage, leading the Rebels to a 26-14 victory. The Rebels (6-2, 2-2 SEC) found themselves down 14-10 at halftime, experiencing a sense of déjà vu as the Sooners (4-4, 1-4 SEC) tried to control the clock and wear down the Rebels, much like Kentucky had in their earlier matchup. However, Ole Miss’s defense held strong, proving pivotal in the second half and thwarting Oklahoma’s strategy to dominate possession and force mistakes.
This approach showcased the resilience and adjustments by the Ole Miss defense to secure the win.
The Ole Miss Landshark defense delivered an exceptional performance in the second half, completely stifling Oklahoma’s offense and allowing the Rebels to build and maintain a lead. The Sooners ran the ball 50 times, managing only 147 yards and averaging under three yards per carry. Jackson Arnold contributed significantly with 24 carries for 39 yards, yet struggled to move the chains effectively. Ole Miss’s defense, led by Suntarine Perkins, tallied an impressive 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss; Perkins alone recorded four sacks and five tackles for loss, dominating the line of scrimmage.
In the absence of leading receiver Tre Harris, who was sidelined just before kickoff, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart adapted by distributing the ball to seven different receivers. Dart completed 22 of 30 passes for 311 yards and a touchdown, with Caden Prieskorn stepping up as the top target, catching five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. This offensive spread demonstrated the Rebels’ depth and Dart’s versatility in finding multiple targets on the field.
A surprising element of the game was the Rebels’ struggle to establish a consistent ground attack. Ole Miss managed only 2.2 yards per carry, with Henry Parrish Jr. leading the team on 15 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown. Ulysses Bentley IV, who had a standout game against LSU two weeks prior, contributed only five yards on five carries in limited action.
In the third quarter, JJ Pegues, also known as the “mayor of Oxford,” scored his fifth rushing touchdown of the season, helping to extend the Rebels’ lead to 23-14. Caden Davis then added a 42-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to seal the final score.
At the start of the season, most Ole Miss fans were hopeful that an improved defense would hold opponents to 20 points or less, potentially turning the Rebels into true contenders. That vision has largely come to fruition, with the defense consistently performing well. However, the offense still has room for growth and now faces a critical stretch, beginning with Arkansas in just six days.
Senior quarterback Jaxson Dart showed promise against Oklahoma, looking more comfortable and spreading the ball effectively. Still, the offense has struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities consistently, leading to some disjointed performances. As they enter a crucial four-game stretch, the Rebels need to recapture offensive consistency to strengthen their playoff chances.
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