In front of an attendance-record breaking 67,505 fans, Ole Miss beat Georgia Southern with a final score of 52-13 at the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Tre Harris had an incredible performance with 11 receptions for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Jaxson Dart also had a great game, with 382 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. He also has the most passing yards for an SEC quarterback with over 1,000 yards.
Pooh Paul led the way on the defensive side of the ball, with ten tackles, one-and-a-half sacks and a quarterback hit.
First half
In just 31 seconds, the Rebels scored the first touchdown of the game; Dart threw two successful passes to Harris and Juice Wells. Georgia Southern fumbled the ball on their first play with J.J. Pegues falling on it. Pegues was banged up in the play, but would later return to the field.
The Rebels kicked a 28-yard field goal bringing the lead to 10-0. They continued their defensive mantra of “bend but don’t break” with penalties and the defense continuing to push the Eagles back. The Rebels forced a punt on Georgia Southern’s second drive.
The Rebels’ third drive was a more methodical one, lasting six minutes and ending with a Jordan Watkins touchdown reception. The Eagles’ pass offense gained some momentum, driving to the 50. Pooh Paul would have his third tackle of the half, making an impact on the defensive side.
When Pegues returned to the field, he had a facemask penalty called on him. Isaiah Hamilton had his third penalty in the half. Ole Miss allowed their first touchdown of the season on a halfback pass, bringing the score to 17-7.
Georgia Southern recovered an onside kick, somewhat shifting the momentum. The Rebel defense held up, with Paul getting a sack on third down. The Rebels got the ball back, but their drive stalled out within their own 30.
Princely Umanmielen got a sack to bring the Eagles to a fourth and twenty, forcing a punt. Dart threw an impressive pass to Harris for a 70 yard touchdown. Paul forced a fumble that the Eagles recovered and got a sack on the very next play.
The Rebels went into the half up 24-7, with six penalties committed.
Second half
Brandon Turnage had an interception to start off the half and Pegues showed he was more than okay with a one-yard touchdown run.
Continuing his outstanding performance in the first half, Paul started the second half on fire with two big plays on the Eagles first drive. On Ole Miss’ following drive, Henry Parrish Jr. would collect his first touchdown of the day and sixth of the year.
Despite a stingy effort on defense, penalties kept the Rebels on the field more than they deserved. Ole Miss had 11 penalties for 133 yards through three quarters, including multiple on the final Georgia Southern drive of the third quarter.
Harris would have a career-defining night, grabbing 11 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. 225 receiving yards is a career high for Harris, taking his season total to 628 yards and four touchdowns.
The Rebels would go on to win 52-13, making their season differential 220-22 and rounding out their non-conference slate.
Interesting stat
Ole Miss pulled up to the Vaught in droves, reaching 67,505 fans in the audience and breaking a stadium attendance record.
Who’s next?
The Rebels stay home next week as they play Kentucky at 11 a.m. The game can be streamed on ABC and ESPN.
