Ole Miss soundly defeats Texas Tech 47-27

The Ole Miss Rebels certainly got the 2018 season started off on the right foot. Led by a furious effort by the Nasty Wide Outs, the Rebels trounced the Texas Tech Red Raiders 47-27.

NRG Stadium in Houston played host to a dynamite display by the Rebels offense. Jordan Ta’amu excelled under center, throwing for 336 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was good for a mark of 22-for-32, completing over two-thirds of his pass attempts. That’ll get you some praise. Especially considering his Y/A was a robust 10.5.

A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf each hauled in receiving touchdowns on the day. But, it was DaMarkus Lodge who led the way in receiving yards with 96 on six catches. Brown was just a bit behind with 93 of his own, but led the team on the day in receptions with seven. While Metcalf had 81 yards, but needed only four catches to get there. Braylon Sanders “merely” got 60 yards on just four receptions.

But don’t overlook Scottie Phillips’ efforts, either. The junior running back piled up 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns while only carrying the ball 16 times. He became the first Ole Miss running back to amass 200 or more yards in a single game since Brandon Bolden did it in 2010.

While the defense could’ve stood to do better, the game wasn’t ever really in doubt. Ole Miss jumped out to a 24-7 lead after the first quarter and Texas Tech only got to within as many as 10 points.

All told, this was as good a performance as Ole Miss could’ve asked for to start the year. They picked up a big win over a Power 5 team and did so in dominant fashion. They get to catch their breath against the Southern Illinois Salukis next week. And they’ll probably need it, because the big, bad Alabama Crimson Tide come to Oxford in two weeks time.