WATCH: Jerrion Ealy wastes no time giving Ole Miss early lead vs. Liberty
Ole Miss is off to a very fast start against Liberty on Saturday afternoon. The Rebels began their opening possession on their own 25-yard line, but it took just two plays to find the end zone. Quarterback Matt Corral began the game with a five-yard completion, but Ole Miss running back Jerrion Ealy broke free on the next play, rushing 70 yards for the early touchdown.
Ealy had a huge hole to run through on the left side of the Ole Miss offensive line. Once he got beyond the line of scrimmage, it was a straight dash to the end zone.
In what could become a high scoring shootout, Ealy’s early score is an encouraging sign right away for Ole Miss.
Ealy has flashed explosiveness this season for Ole Miss
While Ealy isn’t one of the top three rushers for the Rebels, he has flashed his big play potential this season. On the year, Ealy has 62 carries for 321 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 12 receptions for 82 yards.
Corral leads Ole Miss in rushing with 519 yards and 10 touchdowns on 110 attempts. Henry Parrish Jr. and Snoop Conner each have more rushing attempts and yards than Ealy does this year for Ole Miss. Parrish Jr. has 86 carries for 464 yards and two touchdowns. Conner has 77 carries for 435 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Ealy is in his third season with the Rebels. As a freshman in 2019, he rushed for 722 yards and six touchdowns on 104 carries. Last season, Ealy rushed for 745 yards and nine touchdowns on 147 attempts. Throughout his collegiate career, Ealy has 313 carries for 1,788 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also had 47 receptions for 409 yards and two scores.
While Ealy might not be the focal point of the Ole Miss offense, he stole the show early on against Liberty. His 70-yard rushing touchdown was his longest run of the season and his longest rush since a 78 yarder in 2019.