The Ole Miss Rebels handled business in the season home opener against the Mercer Bears in a brutal 73-7 beatdown on Saturday afternoon. There are a lot of things that fans of the Rebels have to be excited about and plenty of things to break down, so here are the top three takeaways from Saturday victory.
Tre Harris’ flashy debut
This one should come as no surprise to anyone. Louisiana Tech transfer wide receiver Tre Harris made his presence known during the game as he racked up four touchdowns, three of which came in the first quarter. He put himself in a class of his own as he set a new school record for most touchdown receptions in a game.
Harris’ length and ability to make tough catches could propel him to be the No. 1 receiver that the Rebels have been looking for since the departure of Carolina Panthers receiver Jonathan Mingo. Fans definitely should not overreact off of one game against a small FCS school, but this may be the emergence of a deadly receiver for Ole Miss Football.
Jaxson Dart’s improvements
Junior Jaxson Dart looks very comfortable and in command of this offense in his second year under Head Coach Lane Kiffin.
Last season, Dart completed 62% of his passes for just under 3,000 yards passing through 13 games. Compared to how Dart looked last year, his performance is exceptional. Dart showed patience, great ball placement and elite decision making.
Just a year ago, he would force passes when he should have just run, and he wound up losing yardage. On Saturday, however, his decision-making skills seemed calibrated and calm.
He ended the game throwing for 334 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, and by the way, all four of his touchdowns were to Harris. The season is long, and a lot can happen from now until the end, but one thing is evident: Rebel fans will see an improved Jaxson Dart for the 2023 season.
Improved defense under Pete Golding
Many Rebel fans were excited to hear about the addition of new defensive coordinator Pete Golding to Kiffin’s staff.
Aside from allowing one touchdown early in the game, Golding was just as advertised. Fans are starting to believe the hype. Golding thrives in throwing different defensive looks: He typically will show a five-man front, but only rush four. This scheme is a stark improvement to last year’s system.
Excluding the one blown assignment that led to a 75-yard rushing touchdown by Mercer quarterback Carter Peevy, the Rebels played a shutdown defense. Ole Miss allowed only 235 yards of total offense. After the debut of Golding and the Ole Miss defense, it looks like exciting times are ahead for Ole Miss Football.
