The Good and Ugly in Ole Miss’ 30-Point Win Against Auburn
Defense sets the tone
After a loss to Texas, Ole Miss needed its defense to regain the momentum it had built against Vanderbilt and Missouri. Against Auburn, the Rebels limited quarterback Byrum Brown to fewer than 200 passing yards on 38 attempts and one touchdown.
Brown also scored on the ground, but finished with five rushing yards on 13 carries. Auburn managed only 63 rushing yards, averaging 2.3 yards per carry. Brown’s two scores were the Tigers’ only touchdowns.
Slow start, strong finish
Ole Miss led Auburn 14-9 at halftime, then pulled away in the second half to win by 30. The Rebels’ first-half touchdowns both came on the ground, from Will Echoles and Shekai Mills-Knight, as the passing game struggled to find its rhythm.
A close opening half against unranked Auburn may not be enough against No. 3 Georgia next week, or a possible matchup with Oklahoma. Ole Miss did, however, respond after halftime and secure the emphatic victory.
Alexander’s costly mistakes
Deuce Alexander caught five passes for 59 yards and added a six-yard carry, but several errors drew attention. He dropped multiple passes, including a wide-open touchdown opportunity on a double pass early in the game.
Alexander also muffed a punt that nearly returned possession to Auburn and committed a false start later. His struggles have opened opportunities for backups at receiver, and the article says the problems have become apparent over the last few weeks.
A demanding finish ahead
The Auburn win is a first step toward the Rebels’ bid for a winning streak and a College Football Playoff place. To finish 10-2, Ole Miss must beat Georgia, Oklahoma, Wofford and Mississippi State in its last four games.
Next week’s matchup against No. 3 Georgia raises the stakes after Ole Miss’ uneven start against Auburn. The defense showed progress, while the slow passing start and Alexander’s mistakes remain concerns.
Key points
- Ole Miss defeated Auburn by 30 after leading 14-9 at halftime.
- Auburn had 63 rushing yards, and Byrum Brown accounted for both Tigers touchdowns.
- Ole Miss’ first-half scores came on runs by Will Echoles and Shekai Mills-Knight.
- The Rebels need four more wins, including against No. 3 Georgia, to reach 10-2.