Tulane Backup QB Picks Apart Rebels Defense In First Half

The Ole Miss Rebels' defense allowed two big plays to Tulane Green Wave quarterback Kai Horton that led to their only two touchdowns in the first half.

After both teams scored touchdowns in the first 5:23 of the first quarter, it looked like the game was off to the races.

The fast start slowed significantly as the No. 24 Tulane Green Wave lead the No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels 17-10 at halftime Saturday at Yulman Stadium. 

Ole Miss opened the game much like it ended its last against Mercer. Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart completed his first three passes on the opening drive for 24, 20 and 31 yards — the final was to wide receiver Tre Harris for a touchdown, which was his fifth of the season.

Dart finished the first half 11-for-18 for 146 yards and one touchdown, as Dayton Wade is the Rebels' leading receiver with five catches for 57 yards.

Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report

After that, Ole Miss punted on four of its next five drives to close the half. After the Rebels' first drive, they only gained 103 yards on 36 plays.

Kicker Caden Davis knocked through a 27-yard field goal with 1:36 to go in the first half, capping off a 13-play, 62-yard drive to trim the lead to a touchdown.

Tulane was without starting quarterback Michael Pratt, but that didn't matter. Kai Horton, Pratt's replacement, was 4-for-8 for 116 yards and one touchdown.

With 5:49 to go in the first half, Horton dropped back and found wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson for a 41-yard touchdown pass, but he wasn't his only option. The Rebels' defense blew a coverage and wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was open across the middle as well.

Running back Makhi Hughes opened the scoring for Tulane, finding the end zone on a 2-yard plunge to tie the game 7-7 in the first quarter.