The Rebels started their season off strong with a winning score of 76-0 against the Furman Paladins — the highest of the Lane Kiffin era.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart posted an incredible stat line, completing 22 of his 27 passes for 418 passing yards and six total touchdowns, a career high.
The Rebels, as a collective, had 243 rushing yards. The leading rusher was Matt Jones with 68 yards and two touchdowns. The leading tackler was Chris Paul Jr. — a transfer linebacker from Arkansas — with eight tackles and two and a half for loss.
First half highlights
Although Ole Miss got the ball to start off the game and moved it with ease, they struggled on the ground at first. Quarterback Dart capped off the first drive with a 15-yard touchdown run to put Ole Miss up early. The Rebels’ new defense made an immediate impact, halting Furman’s run game in its tracks.
South Carolina transfer Juice Wells scored on a 61-yard touchdown reception on their second drive in only 36 seconds. The defense picked up where they left off as Trey Amos picked the ball off, continuing to make an impact in the first quarter. Henry Parrish Jr. attempted to get the run game started, but Ole Miss still relied on the pass game. JJ Pegues ran the ball in for a touchdown to increase the Rebels’ lead.
The Rebels defense looked much better to start the second quarter, forcing a turnover on downs from Furman. Tre Harris III and Dart’s connection looked stronger than ever as Harris scored twice in the second quarter — one of which came from a 61-yard catch.
Dae’Quan Wright scored in the red zone off a pass from Dart. The defense stopped Furman’s offense in its tracks, allowing 19 rushing yards through the first half.
Caden Prieskorn had a 46-yard touchdown catch, in which he sidestepped a defender. Dart had a career-high five passing touchdowns, six total touchdowns and 418 yards through the air.
Second half highlights
Arkansas transfer Paul Jr. started the second half, with a tackle for loss and a sack. On the first offensive play for backup quarterback Austin Simmons, he threw a 35-yard pass to Cayden Lee for a touchdown.
As freshman Kam Franklin recorded the first sack of his career with the Rebels, their defense continued to swarm to the ball. The secondary for the Rebels looked much more confident in the second half, and transfer Yam Banks looked very comfortable at safety.
Simmons cooled off after that hot start, going three and out on back-to-back drives. On the defensive side of the ball, Kam Franklin was a force to be reckoned with.
Simmons looked much better in his fourth drive, throwing the ball with near-perfect timing. The Rebels capped off the drive with a rushing touchdown from Matt Jones. Austin Simmons flashed his mobility on the following drive, scrambling for a 9-yard gain. Matt Jones ran it in for a 46-yard touchdown.
Interesting stat of the game
Pegues had a rushing touchdown and two tackles for loss. Pegues was involved in every facet of the game today.
What’s next?
Ole Miss moves on to Middle Tennessee next week, playing at 3:15 in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+.
