WATCH: Ole Miss Rebels Start Fast, Take Early Lead vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

It didn't take long for the Ole Miss Rebels to find the end zone on Saturday night.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels did not hesitate to find the end zone on Saturday night against the Vanderbilt Commodores, receiving the ball to start the game and driving 75 yards to take a 7-0 lead.

After gaining an early first down, Jaxson Dart connected with wideout Dayton Wade for a gain of 39 yards, but it was running back Quinshon Judkins who found pay dirt from 18 yards out later in the possession. You can see the play below.

Moonwalkin' 🌕

@qaj4_ | ESPN pic.twitter.com/gVPxvG0Mf4

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 28, 2023

Judkins capped off the touchdown with what has become a signature celebration of his: the moonwalk.

The Ole Miss defense responded accordingly by forcing Ken Seals into an interception on third-and-long. A tip-drill pass landed squarely in the arms of defensive back Trey Washington who returned it deep into Commodore territory. The Rebels were not able to find the end zone on the ensuing possession, however, and had to settle for a 27-yard field goal from Caden Davis.

🚨 Tip Drill 🚨@ht_trey1 | @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/u1gnUV571B

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 28, 2023

After that possession, the Rebels had established a 10-0 lead with 10:34 left in the first quarter. It appears that Ole Miss is well on its way to winning the final annual installment of this cross-divisional rivalry, one of the many casualties coming to SEC scheduling when the league expands to 16 teams for the 2024 season. The Rebels lead the all-time series against the Commodores 53-40-2.

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.

Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins in pregame warmups on Saturday night / Ole Miss Athletics