As the final seconds ticked off the clock for another Ole Miss Rebels beatdown of a far superior team, the conversation began that this Ole Miss team is unique. Sure, the Rebels might not be playing the caliber of opponents that some have, but there’s something about this Ole Miss Football team that gives Rebel Nation excitement never before; all the talent on the roster seems to have meshed well with one another while the enthusiasm to start SEC play with Kentucky next Saturday on the 28th has reached an all-time for Rebel Nation.

There’s a palpable confidence and energy surrounding this team that’s difficult to put into words. Game days have a different feel, and the program is buzzing with more energy than ever before. We witnessed it on Saturday night when Jaxson Dart, with blood streaming down his face, led a scoring drive for the Rebels. The 2024 Ole Miss Rebels embody the next-level mindset required to thrive in the Southeastern Conference.

Indeed, the schedule to this point posed a manageable challenge for Ole Miss, but Head Coach Lane Kiffin and his Rebels are consistently handling business. They’ve yet to allow a defensive touchdown while the offense dominates the scoreboard.

Throughout three games, Ole Miss has scored a combined 168 points, providing crucial reps for everyone on the team. What’s impressive is the diversity in the offensive performance. In each game, a different player steps up. Jaxson Dart’s performance against Middle Tennessee State was a standout, as was Henry Parrish’s. Tre Harris and Matt Jones have consistently wowed fans with their athleticism, and Caden Prieskorn has been a force at tight end.

On the defensive front, Jared Ivey, Walter Nolan, and JJ Pegues are a force to be reckoned with, maintaining a combined 24 tackles and two-and-a-half sacks. These three players consistently disrupt the opponents’ backfield, making it their own. Moving to the linebacker core, the three combined starters have 45 tackles, with Chris Paul leading the way with 19 tackles, including four for losses.

All the pieces are there for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels to continue to battle for a place in the College Football Playoff and even a short-term goal of reaching the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. There’s one final tune-up left before the Wildcats of Kentucky come to Oxford for the SEC opener for the Rebels.

Ole Miss will return to action on Saturday night as they welcome Georgia Southern to Vaught Hemingway Stadium for a late-night kick on the SEC Network.

Photo Credits: Ole Miss Football on X