Ole Miss Football: 3 Takeaways from win against Kentucky

3. Close calls are all the difference in close games

There was a controversial call late in the game where it looked like there should have been a targeting call against Ole Miss football. It was a tough call because Levis lowered his body and did not seem to be a defenseless runner. The play resulted in a fumble and recovery for the Rebels. Head coach Lane Kiffin was very complimentary of the defense at the end of the game.

Kentucky had confidence going into this game with the return of running back Chris Rodriguez from suspension. The Rebels’ defense intentionally ensured that he was not a massive factor in this game. Rodriguez finished the game with 72 rushing yards and one touchdown. His longest run was ten yards.

The Wildcats had an opportunity to win the game late in the fourth quarter, but Austin Keys and Jared Ivy forced fumbles on two potential scoring drives. Will Levis threw a 51-yard drive to Barrion Brown that Kentucky down to the seven-yard line. Levis threw what looked like the game-winning pass, but it was called back due to an illegal motion penalty.

It was a game of inches, and Kentucky made critical mistakes at critical times.