Ole Miss Rebels Week 9 Notebook: Observations From Dismantling of Vanderbilt Commodores

The No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels took down the Vanderbilt Commodores Saturday night in the final chapter of their cross-conference rivalry.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels had their way with the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday night, beating their now former SEC East rival 33-7 in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. 

Thanks to conference realignment, the longtime cross-conference rivalry between Ole Miss and Vanderbilt is being discontinued following the 2023 season, but the Rebels managed to put the Commodores away one last time.

With the victory, the Rebels advance to 7-1 on the season with a 4-1 record versus SEC opponents.

Below are my notes and observations from Ole Miss' Week 9 victory over Vanderbilt at home.

Ole Miss Rebels receiver Dayton Wade celebrates his touchdown reception vs. the Vanderbilt Commodores in Week 9 (2023)

Welcome to "Wade" County

It was Dayton Wade night in Vaught-Hemingway on Saturday night, as the senior wideout led the team in receiving with eight receptions for a career-best 120 yards and one touchdown. Wade got his big night started in the second quarter when he hauled in a 48-yard bomb in spectacular fashion, setting up a one-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Jaxson Dart.

DAYTON WADE ARE YOU SERIOUS pic.twitter.com/sec5122QZQ

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 29, 2023

Trey Washington Snags Two Interceptions vs. Vandy

Ole Miss safety Trey Washington continues to elevate his play every week and he had another big week against the Vanderbilt offense, snatching a career-high two interceptions. Washington finished the day with three tackles and has recorded 46 total tackles, 2.0 TFLs, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. 

Ole Miss Defense Snuffs Out Commodore Offense

The Ole Miss defense only allowed 229 yards of total offense from Vanderbilt and smothered its passing game, only surrendering a season-best 60 passing yards. The Rebels' defensive front was out of control as the unit exploded five sacks and 7.0 TFLs.

Defensive lineman Jared Ivey had arguably his best game in an Ole Miss uniform, as the senior notched five tackles 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 TFLs. Cedric Johnson also registered a sack on Saturday night, pushing his all-time Ole Miss career sack total to 16.

A Sluggish Third Quarter From Ole Miss Puts Vanderbilt on the Board

The Rebels won, but they lost a lot of momentum in the third quarter thanks to a handful of lackluster drives. Ole Miss started off fast, but lost its footing in the third thanks to a rare interception from Jaxson Dart, allowing Vandy to score its only touchdown of the game. Ole Miss still managed to put up 431 total yards of offense behind 124 rushing yards from running back Quinshon Judkins.