Ole Miss Rebels Hold Huge Lead Over Vanderbilt Commodores at Halftime
OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels scored early and often in the first half of action against the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday night, holding a 26-0 advantage at the intermission.
The Rebels found the end zone just over a minute into the game, completed by an 18-yard rush from Quinshon Judkins. It was then that some red zone adversity began to strike for Ole Miss after it inherited a short field following an interception by Trey Washington, and it had to settle for field goals twice from kicker Caden Davis.
Oct 28, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes the ball during warm ups prior to a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
A circus-type catch from wide receiver Dayton Wade, the Rebels' leading receiver so far on Saturday, set up another touchdown for Ole Miss, however, as quarterback Jaxson Dart would go on to find the end zone from a yard out on 4th and Goal. Dart later found Wade again, this time for a passing score inside the red zone to extend the Rebel lead.
Judkins has eclipsed the century-mark in rushing with 108 yards and one score, and Dart has 191 yards, a score and an interception in the passing game on 14 completions. The aforementioned Wade has hauled in 100 yards in the receiving department, as well.
Dart's interception came on the Rebels' final possession, and Lane Kiffin was not pleased with the finish from his offense on the SEC Network broadcast at halftime.
"Just frustrated with how we finished our last two series on offense with a three-and-out and throw a pick," Kiffin said. "That's not what great teams do; that's what good teams do, and you're up 26-0 instead of having another touchdown."
As a team, Ole Miss has outgained Vanderbilt 301-82 through one half of play.
Ole Miss received the ball to start the game, so Vanderbilt will get the kickoff to open the second half of play in Oxford. You can follow along for live updates from the game here, and The Grove Report will have full coverage of the game during and after the contest is over.
