Ole Miss Football: Auburn out-talents Rebels in Oxford
1. Jordan Ta’amu is a true dual-threat quarterback
The Ole Miss offense hasn’t skipped a beat with the departure of former starting quarterback Shea Patterson to Michigan. The former 5-star recruit picked up plenty of accolades during his transition from high school to the college game and won his first ever start on the road against Texas A&M in 2016.
Patterson was recruited, at least in part, for his rushing ability. He displayed some of his quickness under Hugh Freeze as a true freshman but never registered more than 10 yards rushing in any game under Matt Luke. He’s topped 35 yards rushing once in seven games with Michigan. Meanwhile, Ta’amu has started to open things up on the ground.
After a slow start, Ta’amu rushed for 25 yards against LSU, 63 yards against Louisiana Monroe, 141 yards against Arkansas and 43 yards against Auburn. That’s one less yard on the ground in the last five games (273) than Patterson has accumulated in his entire career (274).
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Ta’amu has been the bright spot for the Rebels this season. He’s become so much more than what many thought he would be and have made the absence of Patterson and afterthought. He proved that again, even in a tough offensive showing against Auburn.