Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin picked up right where they left off offensively
On Saturday, the No. 22-ranked Ole Miss Rebels kicked off its 2023 season with a resounding 73-7 win over the visiting Mercer Bears. Lane Kiffin‘s offense was incredibly efficient the entire afternoon, scoring 28 points in the first and third quarters. And when the backups came in, the unit remained efficient.
Returning starter Jaxson Dart was electric under center. He started 10-for-10 through the air and quickly formed a dynamic duo with Tre Harris. The Louisiana Tech transfer wideout broke the Ole Miss signle game record with four touchdown receptions. Dart finished 18-for-23 for 334 yards and four touchdowns. Backups Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard combined for 190 passing yards and two more scores via the pass.
Quinshon Judkins wasn’t needed much in the blowout victory, but he still added two touchdowns to the tally. But he is certainly expected to be a major factor moving forward. Especially this weekend on the road at No. 24 Tulane.
One thing this weekend showed was not only can this offense once again be lethal, but it’s got several ways to attack you.
Since Lane Kiffin took over Ole Miss in 2020, his offenses have averaged 511.3 yards per game.
This statistic is second only to Ohio State among Football Bowl Subdivision programs. Compare the two on Saturday, though. And it was a runaway for the Rebels. Sure, Ohio State is breaking in a new quarterback and seemingly played a better opponent in Indiana. But the Buckeyes managed just 380 total yards.
Ole Miss piled up 667.
On the ground, Judkins ran for 60 yards and Ulysses Bentley, who is back healthy, added 27 and a receiving touchdown. Dart averaged nine yards per carry, too. Despite the uneducated national narrative, Kiffin’s offense is predicated by the run and being a physical group which punishes you with tempo. I expect this trend to continue in 2023 with a revitalized running back room and experienced offensive line.
The wide receiver room has a chance to be special.
Harris announced himself to the Ole Miss fanbase and the rest of the Southeastern Conference. Returning starter Jordan Watkins had himself a day as well. The Louisville transfer hauled in six receptions for 111 yards. He averaged 18.5 per catch and also ran a punt return back to the house. The first in a decade for the Ole Miss program.
Speaking of special, Ayden Williams announced his arrival on Saturday, too. The former four-star 2023 signee had two big catches in the game. He could be a downfield threat opposite Harris until UTSA transfer Zakhari Franklin returns to the lineup. Fellow 2023 signee Cayden Lee also added a score with an impressive double move for a 34-yard score.
The tight end position wasn’t needed as much Saturday. But Kyirin Heath made plays when called upon.
Memphis transfer Caden Prieskorn is dealing with a foot injury and may not return for another couple of weeks. But this didn’t stop Heath from making his presence felt. The second-year player from Texas had three catches for 48 yards. Not to be forgotten, Michael Trigg added three receptions of his own for 44 yards. Joining Prieskorn on the injury list, though, is former four-star Hudson Wolfe.
Wolfe, who has battled back issues for the last few seasons, seemed finally ready to take the next step. On Saturday, he popped when he hauled in a big 18-yard catch for a first down. Then he got up slowly and trotted to the sideline, favoring his right side. After the game, it was revealed he had broken his collarbone.
If the Rebels can get Prieskorn back before conference play with Heath and Trigg chipping in, the position could be a weapon again. In 2020, Temple transfer Kenny Yeboah was a key cog for Kiffin’s year one group. He had 27 receptions for 524 yards and six touchdowns, opening up the rest of the field for Matt Corral and others like Elijah Moore.
If John David Baker’s room can come remotely close to the 2020 tight end room, this year’s Ole Miss team will be a force.
Watch out, Ryan Day. Ole Miss is coming for you.
