This season is John David Baker’s first as the Rebel offensive coordinator. Despite running a highly efficient offense and putting up solid production through nine weeks, Baker has received some criticism for his play-calling. There is no doubt Baker has had some subpar moments this season, but overall, he has kept the Ole Miss offense going.
Baker was the Rebel co-offensive coordinator (2022-23) and tight ends coach (2021-23) before joining ECU as the offensive coordinator. Since Baker had previous experience with Ole Miss, many assumed that he would quickly settle into his new role.
The expectations around Baker and an Ole Miss offense that returned quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy, wide receiver Deuce Alexander, the interior offensive line and tight ends Caleb Odom and Luke Hasz, with the addition of significant running back depth, were sky-high.
At times this season, I have questioned Baker: Why is Chambliss not using his legs? Where is all the running back depth fans were told Ole Miss had now? Why are the Rebels running the ball up the middle on back-to-back plays in the red zone?
All are fair questions that many have asked this season. Questionable running plays near the end zone will likely not be explained. As long as the Rebels score, though, it does not matter.
Chambliss rediscovered his running strength playing against Auburn. He had seven carries for 65 yards, including a 26-yard run for a touchdown. Plus, sophomore running back Shekai Mills-Knight got his first large sample size of game action.
Ole Miss has been successful in the red zone this season. The Rebels have scored on 30-of-31 trips between the 20-yard line, including 26 touchdowns. The only time they did not score in the red zone was against Texas at the end of the first half. Against Auburn, they were 5-of-5.
Baker’s offense also averages 25 first downs per game, which ranks second in the SEC. The Rebels also convert on third down 50% of the time (third in conference).
Lacy’s injury issues have forced him to miss time in every game this season. Baker has had to adjust packages in Lacy’s absence. While this took a while, he seems to have found his next star in Mills-Knight.
Beyond Lacy’s absence, Baker had to deal with the loss of major players in the receiving corps. Wide receivers De’Zhaun Stribling, Harrison Wallace III and Cayden Lee were all reliable, proven targets for Chambliss. The new look wide receiver room changed things for the new offensive coordinator.
Still, as the season has progressed, the Rebels have shown a surprising amount of depth from pass-catchers.
“Every week it seems like it’s a different dude almost, which is exciting,” head coach Pete Golding said in a press conference on Monday, Nov. 2. “It shows a couple things, (such as) the development of the position. (L’Damian Washington) has done a really good job. The planning from an offensive standpoint between (Baker) and Joe (Judge) of taking what the defense gives them (is good). It goes back to Trinidad (Chambliss) playing quarterback and going through progressions and not force-feeding to one guy.”
With the offense averaging 37.1 points per game, Baker is leading the 17th scoring offense in the country. Notably, the Rebels have faced five ranked opponents this season and have scored at least 27 points in every game. Ole Miss averages 450.88 yards per game, good for fourth in the SEC.
