Rebels Offense Shines as No. 22 Ole Miss Dominates Mercer in Week 1
OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 22 Ole Miss Rebels dominated the Mercer Bears from start-to-finish in Saturday's season opener at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, cruising to a 73-7 win behind some fireworks on offense.
The Rebels led 38-7 at halftime after a huge half from Jaxson Dart, officially named the team's starting quarterback by head coach Lane Kiffin prior to the game. Dart was responsible for nearly 300 yards passing in the first half and three passing scores to wide receiver Tre Harris in the first quarter, tying a school record for most receiving touchdowns in a game.
By the time he was pulled in the third quarter, Dart had 334 yards passing for four scores, all of which went to Harris, giving the wideout sole possession of the school record. He is now one of 22 players all-time in the Southeastern Conference to have four touchdown receptions in a game.
Wide receiver Tre Harris now holds the school record for most receiving touchdowns in a single game (4).
Spencer Sanders relieved Dart at quarterback when Ole Miss held a 52-7 advantage in the third quarter. Sanders saw some scores of his own while in the game, including a connection to freshman wide receiver Cayden Lee.
The Ole Miss defense saw a blown assignment on its first play from scrimmage as Mercer quarterback Carter Peevy took the ball 75 yards to the end zone, but after that play, Pete Golding's unit seemed to buckle down, forcing three turnovers on the day. Standout freshman linebacker Suntarine Perkins also gained his first career sack in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the Rebels start the season at 1-0, but their second game of the season will prove to be a test on the road. Ole Miss will travel to New Orleans to face the Tulane Green Wave in Week 2, and that game can be seen at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2 next Saturday.
