There’s a lot of positives to be taken from a 39-0 win, but with the non-conference schedule now complete, and the SEC schedule set to begin — against Alabama — six fumbles loom over this game.
The Rebels played a lot of people, and that’s good. Barry Brunetti got some quality minutes, and he needed that, especially if the turnover issue becomes something that lingers for Bo Wallace.
Tulane was a great bounce-back opponent for the Ole Miss defense, which needed a shot of confidence after Texas pinned 66 points and nearly 700 yards on the Rebels last week.
Trae Elston looked very good in his first start. He finished with only six tackles but would have had more had there not been so much substitution in the second half.
I thought we’d see more out of Channing Ward today, but he wasn’t around the ball like he was against Texas and does not appear on the tackles chart.
Video here of Randall Mackey celebrating with family in the stands.
It’s too early to tell how the revamped secondary will do, because Tulane was so bad. The Rebels harassed freshman QB Devin Powell, finishing with three sacks and forcing three picks.
On that note, the Rebels now have 12 sacks on the third, just one under last year’s season total of 13.
More tomorrow in Day After Observations.
Denzel Nkemdiche talks here about the importance of getting the shutout and the interceptions by the Rebels’ secondary.
Denham Springs, La., native, Mississippian since 1989 with a stop in Meridian before arriving in Tupelo. Daily Journal beat writer since 1996, covering Ole Miss since 2002. Proud Northeast Louisiana alum. Follow me on Twitter @parrishalford and listen to Kory Keys and myself daily with The Ole Miss Beat on Rebel Sports Radio.
