SEC Power Rankings, Week 4: Ole Miss, LSU, Georgia vie for top spot
Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) fumbles the ball on a kickoff return during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Trae Elston intercepted a pass for the third consecutive week, and C.J. Johnson and Tony Bridges also picked off passes. Ole Miss only had one sack, but had eight tackles for loss – including 2.5 for defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, who played lights out and finished with six tackles and half a sack.
On offense, the Rebels gained 433 yards of offense, with 341 of it coming through the air. Quarterback Chad Kelly threw three touchdown passes, including a desperately poor decision that turned into a 66-yard TD to Quincy Adeboyejo after the receiver caught a deflection and raced into the end zone. Kelly also connected on a 73-yard touchdown pass to Cody Core on a run-pass option play that was initially penalized for the QB throwing past the line of scrimmage. Kelly also found the end zone on the ground.
The victory marked the first time Ole Miss had ever beaten Alabama in back-to-back seasons in 63 meetings dating back to 1894, and was only the second Rebels’ win ever in Tuscaloosa. Now, the Rebels have the inside track to the SEC West title. They should appear likely to be favored in every game until hosting LSU November 21.
But, of course, Ole Miss will need to take things one game at a time, starting with next week’s matchup against Vanderbilt.
Next Game: Saturday September 26 vs. Vanderbilt
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Ole Miss Rebels 3-0 (1-0)
Last week: Beat Alabama 43-36
Last rank: 3rd
Following an odd game in which they appeared completely dominant at times but also on the verge of disaster on several occasions, the Ole Miss Rebels beat Alabama 43-36 to rise to the top of the pack in our SEC Power Rankings.
The Rebels were shaky at times on defense, and allowed more than 500 yards of offense and the Tide moved the chains 29 times, but Ole Miss forced three turnovers (as well as two on special teams) to upset Bama in Tuscaloosa Saturday night.
Trae Elston intercepted a pass for the third consecutive week, and C.J. Johnson and Tony Bridges also picked off passes. Ole Miss only had one sack, but had eight tackles for loss – including 2.5 for defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, who played lights out and finished with six tackles and half a sack.
On offense, the Rebels gained 433 yards of offense, with 341 of it coming through the air. Quarterback Chad Kelly threw three touchdown passes, including a desperately poor decision that turned into a 66-yard TD to Quincy Adeboyejo after the receiver caught a deflection and raced into the end zone. Kelly also connected on a 73-yard touchdown pass to Cody Core on a run-pass option play that was initially penalized for the QB throwing past the line of scrimmage. Kelly also found the end zone on the ground.
The victory marked the first time Ole Miss had ever beaten Alabama in back-to-back seasons in 63 meetings dating back to 1894, and was only the second Rebels’ win ever in Tuscaloosa. Now, the Rebels have the inside track to the SEC West title. They should appear likely to be favored in every game until hosting LSU November 21.
But, of course, Ole Miss will need to take things one game at a time, starting with next week’s matchup against Vanderbilt.
Next Game: Saturday September 26 vs. Vanderbilt
Next: 30 Best College Football Quarterbacks of All-Time
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