SEC reset: Ole Miss
MISSISSIPPI (1-0)
Game: Ole Miss 39, Vanderbilt 35. The Rebels fell behind 35-32 when they gave up a first down on a fourth-and-18 play, then blew coverage for an easy Vandy score with 1:30 left in the game. But senior RB Jeff Scott scooted around left end and up the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown run for the decisive score with 1:09 left. Junior FS Cody Prewitt's interception on Vandy's ensuing possession sealed it.
Takeaway: With a killer run of games against Texas, Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M and LSU coming up after this week's home opener against Southeast Missouri, the Rebels desperately needed to win this one.
After jumping in front 10-0, they fell behind 21-10 at the half and showed resiliency by putting touchdown drives of 63, 75, and 86 yards in the second half before Scott's big run.
The Rebels came up with two turnovers (one leading to a field goal, the effectively ending the game) and didn't commit any.
A big difference was in the running game. They rushed for 206 yards while holding the Commodores to just 126.
-- Heralded freshman DE Robert Nkemdiche was a big factor in the Rebels' ability to stop the run. He lined up at either end and occasionally even moved inside up front. Statistics credited him with only two tackles (one for a loss) but he continually kept pressure on Vandy QB Austyn Carta-Samuels.
-- WR Laquon Treadwell, another member of Ole Miss' talented incoming freshman class, made his collegiate debut with nine receptions for 82 yards. That's the most catches for a Rebel freshman in a game since Mike Espy had nine against Auburn in 2005. Treadwell also was on the receiving end of a key two-point conversion in the third quarter.
Next: Vs. Southeast Missouri, Sept. 7
