Ole Miss Rebels Week 12 Notebook: Observations From Final Home Game of 2023

The Ole Miss Rebels took care of business versus the ULM Warhawks on Saturday after entering halftime with just a four-point lead.

It took the whole first half for the team to warm up, but the No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels were able to defeat the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 35-3 on Saturday in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. With their ninth victory secured, Ole Miss has officially gone undefeated at home in 2023, with a perfect 7-0 record in the Vaught.

The Rebels now own a 21-2 record in their last 23 home games under coach Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss has developed a serious home-field advantage, and it is a big reason why the Rebels have a chance at winning at least 10 games for the second time in three years.

Below are my notes and observations from Ole Miss' Week 12 victory over Louisiana-Monroe at home.

Nov 18, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin (left) talks with Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during a time out during the first half against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports   / © Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Rebels Show Up In The Second Half To Beat ULM

It was quite literally a tale of two halves on Saturday, as Ole Miss entered the tunnel at halftime with just a 7-3 lead over ULM. The Rebels looked like a completely different team, playing with a lack of direction and motivation. Ole Miss recorded just 201 yards of total offense in the first half. Fortunately, things got straightened out in the locker room, and the Rebels scored 28 unanswered points to pick up their ninth win of the season.

The Ole Miss Offensive Line Got Bullied On Saturday 

It was not a pretty showing for the Ole Miss offensive line, as the Warhawks' defensive front racked up 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, and five quarterback hurries. Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins had trouble even getting to the line of scrimmage on Saturday - the blocking was that bad. Judkins finished the day with 65 rushing yards on 18 carries with no trips to the end zone. The line is banged up, but this performance proves that the Rebels need to recruit better in the trenches.

Rebels Have To Clean Things Up Ahead Of The Egg Bowl

If ULM gave Ole Miss a run for its money in the first half, imagine what the Mississippi State Bulldogs could accomplish in the bitter Egg Bowl. At times, Mississippi State has looked like one of the worst teams in the country this season and to top it all off, the Bulldogs fired their coach, Zach Arnett, after Week 11. But a wounded animal is nothing to play with. The Rebels could very easily lose their second straight Egg Bowl if they do not come ready to play on Turkey Day.