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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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 02: Sam Williams #7 of the Mississippi Rebels sacks Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Sam Williams

Senior edge rusher Sam Williams was a big part of stopping the opposing offenses on third and fourth down. He had an impressive 12.5-sack season. He finished second in the SEC in sacks and set the Rebels’ single-season record.

Williams also forced four fumbles and returned one for a touchdown against Austin Peay. He was instrumental to the success of the Ole Miss defense.

The defense is no longer an Achilles’ heel for the Ole Miss Rebels. On the contrary, it became one of its strengths by the end of the season.

The Rebel defenses had impressive showings against Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State. The defense came to life this season and showed they are an SEC caliber defense, which is why Ole Miss finished third in the SEC and ended the season ranked No. 11.

Next. Way-too-early Top 25 rankings projections for 2022. dark

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