OXFORD – The No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels got an early lead against the Georgia Southern Eagles on Saturday night and used that momentum to lead 24-7 at halftime.
The Rebels had the ball early in the game and quickly took advantage, scoring on a 40-yard pass to Tre Harris in 31 seconds, followed by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Jaxson Dart to Juice Wells. The Rebels then took advantage of an early turnover by Georgia Southern, but settled for a field goal by Caden Davis to put the game up 10-3 to Ole Miss.
JJ Pegues was shaken by the fumble recovery but returned to the sidelines after a brief stint in the locker room.
The Rebels defense was able to get a stop and Ole Miss went on a 14-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jaxson Dart to Jordan Watkins, giving the Rebels a 17-0 lead with 4:39 left in the first quarter.
At the end of the first quarter, the Eagles had the advantage after a big fourth down attempt and a facemask from JJ Pegues, but the Rebels were in control and led 17-0.
The Rebels appeared to be running down the field on this possession, but a holding penalty gave the Eagles a first down inside the Ole Miss 20-yard line. Clay Helton showed off his tricks with a direct snap to the running back, who threw the ball to a completely free Eagles receiver. This was the first touchdown the Rebels have allowed all season, making the score Ole Miss 17, Georgia Southern 7.
The Eagles attempted to outwit the Rebels on the ensuing kickoff with an onside kick that was initially ruled out but was returned to Georgia Southern after a review. However, the Rebels’ defense held firm, forced a punt and brought Ole Miss into their own ten-yard box.
The final highlight of the half came later in the second quarter with a 70-yard touchdown pass from Dart to Harris that gave Ole Miss a 24-7 lead. Follow live updates from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium here.
Halftime statistics
Jaxson Dart: 15-22, 259 yards, 3 touchdowns
Tre Harris: 6 catches, 141 yards, 1 touchdown
Juice Wells: 3 pass catches, 66 yards, 1 touchdown
Pooh Paul: 6 tackles, 4 solo, 1.5 sacks, 2 TFLs
