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Inside The Numbers: Ole Miss offense rises to occasion on third downs
By Ethan Levine
Published:
The Good
8.5: The average points per game allowed by the Ole Miss defense so far this year. The Rebels rank first in the SEC and third in the nation in scoring defense, and when a team only needs an average of 10 points per game on offense to be successful, it becomes much easier to collect victories, even in the grueling SEC.
10: The number of tackles for loss recorded in Ole Miss’ last game against the Memphis Tigers. The Rebels defense made itself at home in the Tigers backfield, holding their offense to fewer than one yard per carry on the ground and just 104 total yards for the game.
52.73: The Rebels’ success rate on third downs this year, which ranks fourth in the SEC. Posting this kind of success on third downs is the key to long, sustained drives on offense, which should keep a talented Alabama offense off the field for long stretches as long as Ole Miss does not commit a slew of turnovers.
Speaking of which…
The Bad
9: Ole Miss has committed nine turnovers in four games, which is the second highest total in the SEC to this point. Quarterback Bo Wallace committed seven of those nine turnovers, and if it weren’t for a superb Rebels defense those turnovers might have cost Ole Miss a victory early in the year. The Rebels must protect the ball better when competing in the SEC West or it simply doesn’t stand a chance.
33: The number of penalties Ole Miss as committed so far this season, the most of any team in the SEC. If turnovers aren’t killing Ole Miss drives, penalties usually are, and these elements are holding back an otherwise dynamic offense loaded with athletic playmakers. Penalties are a result of a lack of discipline, and the Rebels must find some discipline sooner than later if they truly wish to contend for an SEC West crown.
199: The number of rushing yards amassed by Ole Miss’ leading rusher through four games, Jaylen Walton. That is an average of fewer than 50 yards per game from the team’s top tailback, which is indicative of a lack of success running the football. If the Rebels cannot remain balanced on offense, it will be tough for Wallace to overcome his turnover woes in the middle of his senior season.
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
