Everyone knows quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy; they have been cornerstones for the Rebels for over a year now. This season though, when the Ole Miss stars step off the field, many different Rebels have stepped up to deliver big performances. In Ole Miss’ 45-15 victory over Auburn, three different Rebels stepped into the spotlight.
Running back Shekai Mills-Knight
Headed into the game, Mills-Knight had operated behind and been overshadowed by other backs so far this season, like Lacy. Last season, Mills-Knight saw action in three games and totaled just eight carries for 25 yards.
Mills-Knight saw limited action against Vanderbilt, but with Lacy out against the Tigers, he shouldered the burden of the run game.
In the first half, Mills-Knight had 55 yards on 12 carries. Of those first half carries, one totaled 10 yards, and another was a long, 15-yard carry.
Apart from the numbers, Mills-Knight drove the offense forward, especially in the first half. When the Rebels needed it most, Mills-Knight was trusted with the ball and earned four first downs.
As the clock moved to under three minutes to play in the second quarter, Mills-Knight pushed forward for a 1-yard touchdown — his first career touchdown.
Mills-Knight slowed down slightly in the second half, as running back Makhi Frazier saw more action in order to give Mills-Knight a break. Still, Mills-Knight chipped away at the Auburn defense and added a couple of minor carries in the third and a 10-yard gain at the start of the fourth quarter.
In the end, Mills-Knight finished with 71 yards on 16 carries. Though Mills-Knight may not have been the flashiest player out on the field today, he was a very dependent player in the game.
His performance can be likened to Jaylon Braxton’s performance in the LSU game. Though Braxton may not have had the greatest game of all the Rebels, his famous interception that sealed the game was a big moment that propelled Braxton as a storyline from the game.
In the postgame press conference, Mills-Knight spoke on his patience and how he stayed ready so that when the chance came he would be ready.
“I knew my time would come, so I just kept working. I love everything, I love the offense and the coaching staff,” Mills-Knight said. “I stayed ready, (and) just learned from what he (Lacy) did and added it to my game (and I) stayed patient with whatever the team needs me to do.”
With Lacy out and when Mills-Knight rested, running back Frazier also saw a larger role. Frazier totaled 56 yards, 20 of which came during the fourth quarter.
Without Lacy in the ballgame, it could have been a disaster for the run game, but together, both Mills-Knight and Frazier ensured that production was the same, if not better.
Wide receiver Caleb Cunningham
Another breakout star against Auburn was wide receiver Caleb Cunningham, who filled the role of star wide receiver wide when Deuce Alexander struggled.
Opposite of Mills-Knight, Cunningham’s noteworthy moments came in the second half. In the first half, Cunningham totaled just 39 yards before heating up in the second.
Like Mills-Knight, Cunningham is in his second season as a Rebel and had been making minor contributions, but he had a breakout performance against the Tigers.
Cunningham had four first downs in the game, and with about 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, he caught a 6-yard pass for the second touchdown of his collegiate career.
Apart from Cunningham, wide receiver Horatio Fields also had an impressive game. Fields totaled 73 yards on six receptions, and also added a touchdown.
In the postgame press conference, head coach Pete Golding spoke about the depth at the wide receiver position, and his message to Alexander.
“You know what I’m most excited about (is) that we scored 45 points, and I feel like our most explosive and best player didn’t (score),” Golding said.
Quarterback Deuce Knight
The final breakout performance was backup quarterback Deuce Knight. Though he did not see the field much, it was good to see the future Rebel quarterback shine. Late in the fourth quarter, the Rebels held a 23-point lead, so Knight entered the game in the place of Chambliss.
With 3:27 left in the game, Knight proved that he could command the Rebel offense. Faced with pressure, Knight took off, weaved through his former teammates and entered the end zone for a 17-yard rushing touchdown.
For Rebel fans used to seeing Chambliss fight through close games, seeing the backup enter the game and prove that he is a future star is reassuring.
Overall, stars consistently perform for the Rebels, but against Auburn, Ole Miss showcased the depth they have in their position groups.
