Ole Miss Drops Opener to BYU : Thoughts and Reactions

Ole Miss was in utter shock last season after an opening day loss to Jacksonville State. The defeat suffered at the hands of BYU on Saturday was a blow to the gut.

While it's tough to say Ole Miss outplayed BYU, they certainly were in position to win, up 13-0 with less than 10 minutes left to play. It's safe to say most would have predicted a Rebel victory knowing the defense would give up only one touchdown and a little over 300 yards of total offense.

However, last year's weaknesses became strengths and the positives became negatives. The Ole Miss ground game never got on track, averaging just 2.2 yards a carry for 64 yards. The play at quarterback was about as efficient as it was last year. Considering that the ground game wasn't a threat, you could even say the passing attack was a relative success.

Typically it takes longer for an offense to click as opposed to a defense. But, how could an offensive line with virtually everyone returning and an experienced running back not provide anything? Ole Miss coaches have to find a solution.

I thought Donte Moncrief showed the ability to be a threat even as a true freshman. Nick Brassell showed his blistering speed at times, but his drop of a sure touchdown proved to be devastating for Ole Miss. That kind of stuff is to be expected by freshman receivers though. They are going to drop some balls this season.

The play calling was very suspect at times. On third and long Ole Miss continually lined up in one or two receiver sets. They have to be able to line up in shotgun with multiple receivers and throw the ball. Lining up only two receiving threats on obvious passing downs eliminates the route combinations, thus making it easier for defenders to cover.

 The defense played better than it ever did last season. They appeared to have the "bend but don't break" mentality. BYU at times moved the ball with ease on the Rebels, but for the most part the defense was able to stymie the Cougar attack once they crossed midfield.

Considering Jake Heaps dropped back to pass 38 times, Ole Miss has to provide more of a pass rush than they did. The lone sack for the Rebels was off a corner blitz by Marcus Temple. Kentrell Lockett needs to fulfill his potential as a premier pass rusher in the SEC.

The defensive line and linebackers played the run very well, allowing less than 100 yards on 31 carries. Linebacker Mike Marry had a team high 13 tackles. This is a positive for the unit because they will face a slew of good running backs in the SEC.

Perhaps the best group of the day was the secondary. For a unit that finished virtually last in the SEC in every category, the defensive backs were very good. The best move of fall camp was moving Charles Sawyer over to safety. I've always thought putting your best defensive back at safety is a great move. His 96-yard interception return for a touchdown was textbook. Sawyer lined up in zone coverage and when Heaps tried hitting his receiver down the field, he quickly turned his hips and snagged the ball out of the air. 

Cornerback Wesley Pendleton's name was rarely mentioned, which is a good thing for a defensive back. If this unit can maintain this type of performance, it will greatly boost the Rebel defense.

The loss over the weekend will sting for a few days. But Ole Miss has four very winnable games ahead of them before Alabama rolls into Oxford in mid-October. Brandon Bolden and Enrique Davis will not play this weekend against Southern Illinois as both suffered injuries over the weekend. Bolden's appears to be more serious. He is a player Ole Miss cannot afford to have out for long.