Ole Miss Football: 3 biggest surprises from the 2021 season

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Sam Williams #7 of the Mississippi Rebels tackles Malik Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Jan 1, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baylor Bears running back Abram Smith (7) is tackled by Mississippi Rebels defensive back AJ Finley (21) and linebacker Chance Campbell (44) in the fourth quarter of the 2022 Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Rebels’ defense

The team drastically improved on defending the run and pass. Ole Miss gave up an average of 190 yards per game on the ground compared to 2020 when they gave up 207 yards per game. Ole Miss gave up 312 passing yards a game the season before. This season, they only allowed 230 yards per game.

The defense also did a better job of keeping opposing offenses out of the end zone. The Rebels gave up an average of 24 points per game this season compared to 38 points per game the season before. These are all significant improvements after a poor year in 2020.

The defense needed to step up with Matt Corral battling ankle injuries and wide receivers in and out of the lineup due to injury. The offense was not as high-scoring as they were a year ago and leaned on the defense to help out during their struggles. The Rebel defense did come through, making key stops and forcing turnovers when they needed them most.

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