Rebels look to rebound after crushing loss to South Carolina
As SEC losses mount for Ole Miss, the most recent could be harder to overcome.
The Rebels (5-4, 1-4 SEC) had been out of the game long before the final minutes in losses to Alabama, LSU and Auburn. That wasn’t the case in Saturday’s 48-44 loss to South Carolina.
The Rebels rallied from 17-3 first-quarter deficit to tie the game at 27 just before halftime and took a 44-34 lead in the first minute of the fourth quarter.
However, the Rebels’ explosive offense — which had 598 yards through three quarters — managed just 18 in the fourth. The Rebels’ last four drives ended with three punts and a turnover on downs.
“It was a tough, tough loss. It makes it tough when you know the kids left it all on the field. They battled their guts out and at the end we didn’t make the plays that we needed to make,” Ole Miss coach Matt Luke said.
The question now is how the Rebels will respond Saturday at Texas A&M in an 11 a.m. kick.
Luke issued a “Remember November” battle cry last week, and November was indeed good for Luke in his first season as coach as the interim in 2017. The month sets up differently this time, now with a loss in pocket, no non-conference and improved A&M and Mississippi State still out in front.
There’s a road trip to Vanderbilt between those games.
Coming off a bye week the Rebels were able to meet goals against South Carolina of more physicality in the run game and better red zone play.
Ole Miss had nine red zone possessions and scored five touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo showed some different sets when down close and attempted a pass to backup offensive tackle Royce Newman, who switched to a No. 93 jersey and released into the end zone before the defender recovered and broke up the pass.
Longo also moved 6-1, 230-pound slot receiver A.J. Brown to split end as the Rebels continue to adapt without 6-4 DK Metcalf, their biggest and most physical wide receiver. Brown had six catches for 115 yards, his 10th 100-yard game.
The run game produced 237 yards, its most in an SEC game this season.
However, defensive issues of missed tackles and allowing big plays were still in place. Carolina receivers were often wide open, and the Gamecocks’ winning drive included a 69-yard rush.