Ole Miss Rebels Week 12 Opponent Preview: Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks Offensive Players to Watch
OXFORD, Miss. -- After getting dismantled by the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs 52-17 on the road, the No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels have a much easier non-conference opponent slated for Week 12 in the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.
Ole Miss is set to host the Warhawks in the Rebels' final home game of the 2023 season before the team travels to Starkville to end the regular season with the Egg Bowl. ULM has had a rough 2023 regular season, as the Warhawks have an overall record of 2-8 and are winless in the Sun Belt Conference.
The last time Ole Miss and ULM met was in 2018 and the Rebels crushed the Warhawks 70-21 in Oxford. Quarterback Jordan Ta'amu led the Rebels in passing and freshman Matt Corral led Ole Miss on the ground with 78 rushing yards and one touchdown on just six carries.
ULM travels to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Nov. 18, and the kickoff time has yet to be announced. Here is an overview of what the Rebels will face on defense when they welcome the Warhawks to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Oct 6, 2018; Oxford, MS, USA; Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback Caleb Evans (6) runs away from Mississippi Rebels linebacker Willie Hibbler (17) during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
© Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Leaders
Passing: Jiya Wright (Senior)
2023 stats: 1,124 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, six interceptions, 53.7 completion percentage, and a 119.7 QBR
A third-year player, Wright is in the middle of his first season as ULM's starting quarterback. Wright has also registered 108 rushing yards and one touchdown on 55 carries this season. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native is nothing the Rebels have not already seen on defense this season. Just let the pass rush do its job and the rest should follow suit.
Rushing: Hunter Smith (Sophomore)
2023 stats: 73 carries, 423 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry
Smith has made his carries count with 5.8 yards per attempt this season, but Ole Miss' improved defense should be able to corral the 181-pound tailback with no problem.
Receiving: Tyrone Howell (Sixth Year Senior)
2023 stats: 44 receptions, 516 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns, averaging 11.7 yards per reception
Howell is the clear No. 1 target on ULM's offense, as the next closest receiver has 119 fewer yards than the 6-foot-3, 204-pound wideout. Howell is also the go-to red zone threat, as he has five more touchdowns than second place. The former Kansas State transfer will be the player to watch on ULM's offense on Saturday.
