In a high-stakes matchup, the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels faced their first loss of the season against the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs, falling 43-35 in Athens. This outcome comes as a surprise to many, given that Ole Miss has lost a significant portion of its talent to the NFL, notably 20 of its 22 starters.
Kewan Lacy: A Central Figure in Ole Miss’s Success
Amidst expectations of a rebuilding year, Ole Miss is off to a strong 6-1 record, largely thanks to the exceptional performance of running back Kewan Lacy. The Missouri transfer has been a crucial asset for head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense, showcasing remarkable skill on the ground.
Notable Stats and Achievements
- Lacy has rushed for 618 yards at an average of 4.5 yards per carry.
- He ranks third in the SEC for total rushing yards.
- With 10 touchdowns, Lacy is tied for third nationally among all players after the first seven games.
- He has broken 49 tackles this season, demonstrating his ability to gain extra yards despite challenges.
Team Members Praise Lacy’s Impact
Lacy’s influence extends beyond his impressive statistics. Offensive lineman Jayden Williams commended Lacy for his explosiveness, noting his ability to thrive even under less-than-ideal blocking conditions. Williams emphasized how Lacy’s skills enable him to break tackles and create plays, making him a vital asset for the team.
Linebacker Suntarine Perkins also highlighted Lacy’s contributions to the defense’s preparation. By facing Lacy in practice, the defensive unit gets invaluable experience, allowing them to prepare effectively for weekly opponents.
Coach Kiffin’s Insights
Coach Kiffin acknowledged Lacy’s outstanding contributions, stating, “Kewan’s done an amazing job.” He reflected on the recent loss to Georgia and expressed a desire to involve Lacy more during crucial moments, particularly in the fourth quarter. However, he noted the necessity of adapting offensive strategies against a robust Georgia defense.
Looking Ahead to Oklahoma
As the Rebels prepare for their upcoming game against the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners, maintaining their momentum will be essential. Kiffin pointed out the significant challenge of playing in hostile environments, drawing comparisons between Georgia and Oklahoma’s renowned atmospheres.
The matchup against Oklahoma will be the second meeting between these SEC rivals, following Ole Miss’s victory over the Sooners last season. Both teams aim to stay in contention for the SEC Championship as they kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday.
Kewan Lacy’s performances will be pivotal as the Rebels navigate the remainder of the season, positioning themselves towards potential college football playoff aspirations.
