Ole Miss Football: Three Takeaways from Texas A&M Win

Photo courtesy of Bleacher Report

Ole Miss got their second SEC win of the season behind the debut of true freshman quarterback Shea Patterson. What were the reasons for the Rebel victory?

The Ole Miss football program was given an energy boost with the stellar performance of Shea Patterson against Texas A&M. It was the Rebels’ best game of the season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. So what led to the victory for Ole Miss? Find out more here.

Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Shea Patterson (20) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Shea Patterson shined in his college debut at Kyle Field going 25-42 for 338 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Patterson also ran for 64 yards on 15 carries.

The biggest accomplishment may have not been his stat line, but the boost he gave the rest of the team in an otherwise disappointing season. Although the injury to Chad Kelly was unfortunate, if Patterson continues to play well it will give the program a lot of momentum heading into 2017.

Oct 15, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Ole Miss Rebels defensive back A.J. Moore (30) linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) and defensive tackle Breeland Speaks (9) celebrate after a sack by Gates in the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Ole Miss defense started slow against Texas A&M in College Station on Saturday night. The Aggies were striking for big, explosive plays through the air and occasionally on the ground.

The much maligned Ole Miss run defense stepped up and stopped the Aggies. Texas A&M only ran for 129 yards on 34 carries. The Rebels stopped the Aggies on none of the final ten possessions of the game to help get the victory.

Oct 15, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Ole Miss Rebels running back Akeem Judd (21) rushes in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

A big reason Shea Patterson was able to have success was due to the run game. Akeem Judd ran for 100 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown. Shea Patterson also kept some plays alive with his feet.

The Rebels ran for 150 yards on the night, keeping the Aggie pass rushers from pinning their ears back on the offensive line. It is more impressive when you consider Robert Conyers and Sean Rawlings were battling injuries and Rod Taylor was out.