Ole Miss vs Georgia: 3 Things We Learned from the Victory

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels cheerleaders cheer before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss defeated Georgia for their second win of the season, and their first conference win of the 2016 season.

Ole Miss finally got over the halftime hump and held onto a lead. The Rebels took down the Bulldogs from Georgia today in a very convincing fashion.

The Rebels dominated every aspect of the game today. Changes needed to be made for the Rebels to win today, and those changes were made.

From offense, to defense, to the special teams; Ole Miss proved they can still win in the SEC.

Ole Miss Rebels45

The Rebels will face out-of-state rival Memphis next weekend in Oxford. Ole Miss is in a great position to make some noise in the SEC, despite two losses already on the record.

Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) drops back to pass under pressure from Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Roquan Smith (3) during the first quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

The Offense Is Still Potent

Offense

, Ole Miss Rebels

The Ole Miss offense took on the challenge presented by the Georgia defense and won the battle. This is the kind of offense I want to see the Rebels run every game. Aggressive and high-flying.

The offensive line gave Kelly the most time I have ever seen him have, a key to the success of Ole Miss football.

Chad Kelly has one of his best days against the Bulldogs. Kelly went 18-for-24, 282 yards, and 2 touchdowns through the air. He also led the team in rushing with 53 yards on 4 attempts and a touchdown.

D’Vaughn Pennamon also emerged as a new threat at the running back position. Pennamon ran the ball 6 times for 37 yards and a touchdown.

Senior tight end Evan Engram had a day to remember. Engram finished the day with 6 receptions, 95 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Ole Miss needs to bring the offense this weekend against the Memphis Tigers.

Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Derrick Jones (19) runs the ball after an interception during the first quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Landshark D Makes Its 2016 Debut

Defense

, Ole Miss Rebels

The Ole Miss defense finally showed up for this season. Ole Miss was shutting Georgia out until late in the 3rd quarter when the Rebels removed their starters.

Ole Miss starters played until late in the third quarter and they limited the Georgia offense to 0 points. Once the backups came into the game, the Rebels allowed 14 points.

Wide Reciever Derrick Jones was the star of the day on defense, returning an interception for a touchdown.

The Rebel defense was stingy and proved that they can battle with the SEC.

Freshman quarterback Jacob Eason struggled with the fast defense but did not get any help from his wide receivers. The Rebel secondary plagued the freshman and the Bulldog offense.

Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) returns a punt during the second quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams Makes Much-Needed Improvements

Special Teams

, Ole Miss Rebels

The Ole Miss special teams needed to make some serious improvements from last week’s game, and those adjustments were made.

Kickoff specialist Nathan Noble kept the Bulldogs away from the kickoffs, and he even made a crucial tackle on a kickoff to save a touchdown.

Van Jefferson took over the punt return duties after Carlos Davis went down with an injury. Jefferson only had 7 yards on 2 returns, but he didn’t muff a return or any other mistakes.

This is a much-needed improvement.

Ole Miss will need to keep up the improvements on this side of the ball.

Although, the key to victory is to win the coin-toss and defer the ball until the second half.

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