Ole Miss Rebels Hold Slim Halftime Advantage In Offensive Track Meet
The No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels' explosive offensive plays in the first half led to a 31-28 halftime lead over the No. 13 LSU Tigers Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Ole Miss has had four passing plays go for at least 15 yards and as many rushing plays go for at least 10 or more yards in the first half.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart was 17-for-23 for 242 yards and three touchdowns in the first half.
Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws a pass in the first half against the LSU Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday.
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Head coach Lane Kiffin gambled on the opening drive of the game, and on fourth-and-goal, Dart lofted a pass to running back Quinshon Judkins for a 4-yard touchdown pass.
After safety Daijahn Anthony's huge shot on LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels forced a fumble that Ole Miss recovered, Dart hit Jordan Watkins and Dayton Wade for 20 and 8 yards, respectively. Running back Ulysses Bentley IV took the next play 43 yards to the house, weaving his way around Tigers defenders to give the Rebels a 14-0 lead.
Dart connected with Watkins for a 63-yard touchdown and Wade on a 15-yarder, as a 56-yard connection to Tre Harris — who returned from an injury that hampered him the last two games — set up Caden Davis' 28-yard field goal with 1:42 to go in the half.
Watkins had five receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown, while Harris racked up 81 yards on five catches.
LSU leaned on Daniels on its final drive of the half, needing just 44 seconds to go 75 yards in five plays. Daniels capped it off with a beautiful throw down the sideline to Kyren Lacy for a 29-yard touchdown to trim LSU's deficit to 31-28.
Daniels 15-for-19 for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Tigers star receiver Malik Nabers had four catches on 79 yards, while two of Brian Thomas Jr.'s six receptions went for touchdowns. Thomas recorded 88 yards in the first half.
LSU out-rushed Ole Miss 150-148, but Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for a season-high 80 yards in the first half alone.
