Luke Altmyer tweaks shoulder against Central Arkansas in unfortunate development for Ole Miss QB competition
The Ole Miss quarterback battle between Luke Altmyer and Jaxson Dart took an unfortunate turn Saturday against Central Arkansas.
The right-handed Altmyer, who drew the start, appeared to hurt his throwing shoulder midway through the first half of what was a 31-0 game in favor of the Rebels at halftime.
“I think he’s injured,” third-year Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin told the SEC Network as he made his way to the Ole Miss locker room.
Kiffin said Altmyer would be evaluated by the medical staff.
An Ole Miss spokesperson would only allow that Altmyer was “OK,” though no further specifics were provided.
Altmyer was 6 for 13 for two touchdowns and an interception before giving way to Dart with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter.
He also rushed for a score, and Ole Miss led 28-0 after the first quarter, aided by a scoop-and-score touchdown by Ladarius Tennison, a transfer from Auburn, on a botched Central Arkansas punt.
The Rebels also blocked another UCA punt in the quarter to set themselves up with fresh downs at the opposing five. Altmyer connected with Michael Trigg from four yards out on second down for one of two touchdowns scored by the Rebel tight end in the frame.
Trigg, like Dart, transferred to Ole Miss from USC.
Dart led Ole Miss on a seven-play scoring drive — punctuated by a 41-yard field goal by first-year Ole Miss kicker Jonathan Cruz, a transfer from Charlotte.
In all, Dart completed three of his five pass attempts and was responsible for all 57 yards gained, including completions of 20, 14 and 16 yards to three different receivers. Altmyer opened the night 5 for 5 for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
The field goal accounted for all of the Rebels’ second-quarter points (3).
Ole Miss went with Altmyer because of a predetermined plan laid out to both players days before the opener with Troy.
Each quarterback was given their own start in the season’s first two games, with Dart getting the call against the Trojans, a 28-10 Ole Miss win.
Saturday’s events only seem to ensure the competition will only drag on for at least another week. Ole Miss next travels to Georgia Tech.
“They’ve got to keep working,” Kiffin said earlier this week on the SEC Teleconference call. “Obviously not going to try and say it’s the best thing because you’d like to know and (keep players with rhythm), especially in tempo and everything.
“It is what it is. Still got to find the best guy.”
