Ole Miss vs. Memphis: Three Things We Learned From The Victory

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3), defensive tackle Breeland Speaks (9) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) celebrate against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss got a 48-28 win over Memphis last night. The win was much needed as the Rebels now have a winning record headed into the bye week.

Ole Miss jumped on Memphis early and never looked back. However, there were some negatives from the game as well as positives.

The offense continues to click on all cylinders and even got a rushing game to step up.

The defense could have played better in the secondary but did force turnovers to balance that out.

Special teams was solid and didn’t do anything to lose the game.

Ole Miss heads into a bye week before traveling to Fayetteville to face Arkansas on October 15th.

Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) runs the ball during a play that would result in a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

It seems as if the offense is finally starting to put together two halves. The most encouraging part of the game on Saturday was the rushing attack. Ole Miss rushed for 263 yards and has two separate 100-yard rushers. Eugene Brazley ran for 124 yards on 13 carries and Akeem Judd ran for 108 yards on 15 carries.

Chad Kelly was very solid throwing for 361 yards. He threw for one touchdown and one interception. Kelly can make some better decisions but all in all he is doing what the Rebels are asking of him and moving the offense.

Oct 1, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Memphis Tigers wide receiver Anthony Miller (3) is tackled by multiple members of the Mississippi Rebels defense during the first quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

There was good and bad news for the Ole Miss defense on Saturday night. The good news was they forced three turnovers which is a recipe for success with the Rebels’ potent offense. The bad news was they gave up 474 total yards of offense.

Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson had success through the air against Ole Miss by throwing for 343 yards. Memphis was also able to run for 119 yards on the Rebel defense.

The player of the game defensively had to be Zedrick Woods, who had two interceptions including one for a touchdown. Even defensive tackle D.J. Jones got himself an interception for Ole Miss.

Sep 10, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels place kicker Gary Wunderlich (97) kicks a field goal against Wofford Terriers during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Special Teams was very good for Ole Miss on Saturday. Gary Wunderlich was a perfect six for six on extra points and two for two on field goals.

Will Gleeson had a 40.5 yard per punt average on two punts. Chad Kelly even had one punt for 42 yards.