Jimbo Fisher says Ole Miss' offense succeeds because of running game

On3 imageby:Barkley Truax10/24/22

BarkleyTruax

It’s no secret the Ole Miss has one of the top rushing attacks in the SEC, and Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher seems confident in his preventative measures of defense to combat the three-headed monster in the Rebels’ backfield.

Comprised of superstar freshman Quinshon Judkins, the former five-star recruit Zach Evans and dual-threat quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Rebels are tops in the conference with 2,016 yards, and rank third in the country in total rushing offense trailing only Air Force (2,694) and Army (2,342).

“The key to them is, if you watch, it always has been running the ball,” Fisher said Monday. “They throw the ball, but there’s not a lot of concepts when you talk about a true passing game, it’s more RPO’s, going fast, then getting maxed up taking big shots down the field, which they do a great job of, and then on third down they’ll have their packages.

“Deep down, it’s more of RPO’s and running and the speed of the offense more than the scheme – I don’t mean to take anything away – but there’s schemes in what they do, but the speed of it and timing of it and the RPO’s is all that is. It’s one of the big secrets.”

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That’s what makes Dart so special. He can make a play with his legs, can get the ball out to his receivers, and can rely on his running backs to make plays consistently. With all three options forcing the defense to stay on its heels every time Dart has the ball, it’s no wonder Ole Miss started the season with seven-straight wins.

Add Jenkins – a true freshman that ranks second in the SEC in rushing yards with 831 – alongside former blue-chipper in Evans, who ranks fifth in the conference with 605 rushing yards, and Lane Kiffin’s offense is just as lethal as the one that led the SEC one year ago.

That was led by Jerrion EalySnoop ConnerHenry Parrish, Jr. and of course, Matt Corral. Ealy, Conner and Parrish accounted for 69.5 percent of yards accumulated on the ground (1,968) one year ago, though Corral’s 614 yards helped the Rebels’ rushing attack tremendously – something Dart has been tasked to do as well, supporting Fisher’s theory.

Regardless, if Fisher has figured out Kiffin’s offense so well, one would have to believe that the Aggies will be able to neutralize the Rebels offense Saturday. If only it were that easy.