Ole Miss has made the trip to Austin, Texas, five times in the history of the program, and the Rebels entered Saturday’s matchup with a single road win against Texas. Last weekend, a poor first half cost the Rebels the win. With Ole Miss unable to add a tally to the win column, here are three takeaways from the game.
Ole Miss is too reliant on Trinidad Chambliss
Chambliss had his worst game in an Ole Miss uniform on Saturday. He completed 25-of-52 passes, and 34 of those attempts came in the second half. Chambliss threw for 250 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions.
In comparison, Chambliss threw three interceptions in the entirety of last season. Even if the last-second Hail Mary interception against Texas was discounted, Chambliss still struggled to take care of the football.
This problem is not entirely his fault. Ole Miss could not establish a consistent run game against the Texas front. The Longhorns were without their best defensive player, edge Colin Simmons. However, Simmons’ absence did not seem to affect their level of play.
The Texas defense held Ole Miss to an average of 3.8 yards per rush. That number is inflated by a 34-yard Makhi Frazier run and a 17-yard fake punt by Oscar Bird.
Kewan Lacy’s availability is severely hampering the run game, which puts an extraordinary amount of strain on Chambliss. If Chambliss has a bad day, Ole Miss will lose to any comparable team; if he has a good day, Ole Miss will likely win.
The poor running game and Chambliss’ inconsistency must be addressed, whether by resting Lacy until he is fully healthy or exploring creative options like the crucial Deuce Alexander end-around.
Ultimately, Chambliss’ play should not be the be-all and end-all in terms of the Rebels’ results.
Left tackle Terez Davis is an important player for Ole Miss
Ole Miss left tackle Terez Davis suffered an injury late in the Missouri game. Listed as questionable on all reports until Saturday, many Rebel fans were optimistic he would suit up for the Texas game.
Davis did not play, and his absence was felt. Chambliss ran frantically, and the run game had no traction. With Davis likely to be listed as a game-time decision, there is reason to hope that another week of recovery will allow him to return before the Auburn game on Oct. 31.
Fortunately for the Rebels, center Brycen Sanders, who was questionable for the game until Saturday, lined up against Texas and was able to help provide some security for Chambliss.
Second-half resiliency reflects well on Pete Golding
When Ole Miss went into the locker room down three touchdowns, it seemed like the game was over. Nothing in the first half went Ole Miss’ way, and all signs pointed toward an ugly blowout.
On the first drive of the second half, defensive end Blake Purchase picked up an Arch Manning fumble and ran it into the end zone. That play ignited a comeback that tied the game at the end of the third quarter.
Despite shaky play in the fourth, the Rebels could have rolled over and given up much earlier, and the resilience the Rebels showed in the second half play speaks volumes about coach Pete Golding.
Though Golding did not have his best day with on-field coaching decisions, like attempting a 58-yard field goal late in the game while down by four, his players’ attitude, especially in the third quarter, showed his leadership. The Rebels may fall behind, but they do not stop fighting.
