Quinshon Judkins Propels Ole Miss Rebels to Victory Over Auburn Tigers in Week 8

The Ole Miss Rebels secured another SEC West victory on Saturday night thanks to a big game from running back Quinshon Judkins.

OXFORD, Miss. -- It was not easy or pretty, but the Ole Miss Rebels managed to survive the "Freeze Warning" on Saturday night, beating the Auburn Tigers 28-21 in Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time since 2015.

The Rebels showed resilience and a fighting spirit on a road trip that had all the makings of a classic Ole Miss trap game. Mistakes kept the Tigers in the game longer than they should have been in it, but the Rebels ended up winning a game they likely would have lost a year ago. 

Ole Miss' defense came ready to play, but the offense needed some time to warm up versus Auburn. Quarterback Jaxson Dart clutched up when he needed to, but he was not necessarily the heartbeat of the offense on Saturday. 

Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) celebrates his touchdown run as Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.   :: © Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ole Miss rushing attack, spearheaded by superstar sophomore Quinshon Judkins, proved to be the Rebels' salvation versus Auburn. 

The Rebels ran for 223 yards while throwing for just 202. Judkins led the team on the ground with 124 rushing yards and one touchdown on 21 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. Judkins has now rushed for at least 100 yards in two of the last three games after struggling to clear 60 in the first four weeks of the season. 

The Pike Road, Ala., native has now rushed for more than 120 yards in back-to-back contests versus Auburn. Judkins has become Auburn's kryptonite and is the reason Ole Miss has beaten the Tigers in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1951-52.

Judkins is heating up at the right time and I believe his best performances this season are still ahead of him.