Yes, it was a game against FCS Presbyterian. Yes, my three-year-old son could have gained positive yardage against that rushing defense. Yes, it still counts.
Ole Miss racked up 402 yards on the ground this past Saturday to help pad its otherwise troublesome rushing statistics for 2014. It’s been no secret that the team has struggled to consistently run the ball against the mighty SEC West.
Jordan Wilkins was all smiles after Ole Miss’ 48-0 victory over Presbyterian College. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.
The yards boosted Ole Miss’ average on the ground to a respectable 174.4 per game, or seventh in the SEC. With Redshirt-freshman Jordan Wilkins rushing for 171 yards on 10 carries and sophomore Mark Dodson exploding for two long touchdown runs (65, 62), a re-evaluation of the Rebels rushing attack seems appropriate.
“Their physical, downhill running they did was very impressive today. How does that equate to some of the defenses we’ll play in weeks to come? I’m not sure. I’m impressed with what we saw, for sure,” Head Coach Hugh Freeze said.
Freshman Quarterback DeVante Kincaid reigned in 70 yards passing and 34 yards rushing against Presbyterian. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.
Say what you will about the opponent, but Ole Miss hasn’t put up rushing numbers like these since it hung 443 on Vanderbilt in 1979. Offensive Coordinator Dan Werner liked what he saw.
Freshman Quarterback Ryan Buchanan saw action with the Rebels against Presbyterian, too. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.
“They were making big runs,” Werner said. “On a couple of his runs, Mark made a nice cut that set up the run. It looked like there was a huge hole, but on one of them there was a guy in the hole. He made a nice cut that messed him up and took it to the house. Jordan was getting hit 20 yards down the field and carrying guys for 10-15 yards, which is what we want. He’s that type of back.”
It’s important to note that these running backs had the type of game they did behind a second team offensive line. Starters saw limited action with Larmey Tunsil and Aaron Morris sitting out the game completely.
CBS loves the Rebels
Ole Miss will finish the 2014 regular season with a pair of games on a national network. CBS has opted to carry the Ole Miss/Arkansas game as well as the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State.
It will be the first time the Egg Bowl has been carried by CBS. Kickoff is set for 2:30 pm in Oxford.
Presbyterian Blue Hose vs. Ole Miss Rebels – November 8, 2014. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.“Today’s paid attendance: 60,546. Definitely doesn’t look that way now.” – @LocalAthletics – November 8, 2014 – Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Freshman Quarterback Ryan Buchanan handing off to Jordan Wilikins for a 65-yard touchdown run against Presbyterian November 8, 2014. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Ole Miss Freshman Jordan Wilkins’ 65-yard touchdown run against Presbyterian November 8, 2014. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Ole Miss Freshman Andy Pappanastos kicked 5 of 6 Extra Point attempts against Presbyterian, while Senior Andrew Fletcher scored an Extra Point on his only attempt. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Ole Miss Freshman Quarterback DeVante Kincade in action against Presbyterian on November 8, 2014. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Ole Miss Quarterback Bo Wallace looks on as Freshman QB DeVante Kincade hugs the sideline against Presbyterian November 8, 2014. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Freshman DeVante Kincade rushed for 34 yards again Presbyterian November 8, 2014. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Ole Miss Head Coach Hugh Freeze and the Ole Miss Rebels are 8-2 in so far this year, and already bowl eligible with two games left this season: vs. Arkansas November 15 and the Egg Bowl hosting Mississippi State November 29. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.Ole Miss Freshman Quarterback DeVante Kincade. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – November 8, 2014 – The Local Voice.The Grove was had plenty of tents but the large crowds as seen earlier this year were gone on November 8, 2014, after the Presbyterian game. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.This tent in The Grove displayed a poster of Bo Wallace holding Laquon Treadwell’s hand after the unfortunate accident against Auburn November 1. Photograph by Newt Rayburn – The Local Voice.
