Jake Bolden 
Ole Miss vs Middle Tennessee State
Behind Enemy Lines: Ole Miss
As Middle Tennessee prepares to take on Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss, the Rebels are riding high
after a commanding performance in their season opener against FCS Top 10 Furman. Beat
writer from the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Michael Katz, offered an insightful look into
what to expect from the Rebels as they enter their second game of the season in the latest
edition of the Blue Raider Podcast.
New Year, New Playoff
After a dominant victory in their opener, Ole Miss has shown no signs of complacency. The
Rebels executed a near-perfect game, with an offensive explosion that saw them rack up 772
yards while limiting their opponents to just 172 yards. This kind of performance not only
highlights their offensive firepower but also underscores significant improvements on the
defensive side. With new talent bolstering the defensive line, the Rebels have addressed
previous vulnerabilities and look to build on their strong start.
Lane Kiffin’s squad is focused on maintaining their momentum and making a strong case for a
spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. Kiffin’s strategy has been clear: dominate lesser
opponents decisively to ensure the team’s resume stands out. The Rebels’ ability to rotate in
backups and continue performing at a high level is a testament to their depth and preparation.
The debut of redshirt Freshman Austin Simmons, who threw a 35-yard touchdown on his first
college pass, exemplifies the kind of talent Ole Miss has in reserve.
Transfer Portal Finds
The Rebels’ defensive line, featuring standout transfers like Princely Umanmielen (Florida) and
Walter Nolen (Texas A&M), is expected to be a significant force this season. Kiffin has
emphasized the importance of having a robust and athletic front to compete with the elite teams
in the SEC. This commitment to improving in the trenches aims to address past deficiencies and
enhance the team’s overall performance.
On the offensive side, the line has shown promise, despite some new faces and injuries. The
integration of experienced transfers from top programs should bolster the unit’s effectiveness:
Guards Nate Kalepo and Julius Buelow (Washington), and Tackle Diego Pounds (North
Carolina). Though it remains to be seen how well they handle elite defensive fronts of the SEC
as the season progresses. The offensive line’s ability to protect quarterback Jackson Dart and
create running lanes will be crucial in the coming weeks.
Heisman Hopeful: Jaxson Dart
Jackson Dart has demonstrated why he is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
With nearly 450 yards and six touchdowns in just two quarters of play last weekend, Dart’s
performance has set high expectations. His comfort with the offense and the array of talented
receivers at his disposal, including Tre Harris and “Juice” Wells (South Carolina transfer), make the Rebels’ passing game a formidable challenge for any defense. Not to mention missing 700-
yard receiver Jordan Watkins in week one with an apparent injury.
Can Middle Keep This Close?
Despite Ole Miss’s impressive start, Katz identifies the offensive line as a potential area of
concern. The ability of the line to hold up against strong defenses will be tested as the season
progresses. For Middle Tennessee, the key to finding success will be applying pressure to Dart
and disrupting the offensive rhythm. Secondly, they cannot allow Dart to break contain like they
allowed Tennessee Tech’s Jordyn Potts in week one. The junior QB improvised when flushed
from the pocket and passed for over 250 yards and 2 touchdowns – Dart is more than capable
of reproducing the same results when faced with pressure.
Middle Tennessee saw their offense sputter after a fast start on Saturday. The staff sought an
opportunity to rotate a new O-line unit after taking a 21-0 lead and forcibly leaned on the run
game. With an injury to starting center Julius Pierce without a finite time listed for his return,
hopefully Kendall Simmons can find a cohesive group that can create a more balanced attack
that implements more vertical passing this Saturday.
For Ole Miss, this game represents an opportunity to showcase their depth and strength, while
Middle Tennessee will aim to challenge the Rebels and potentially surprise some observers.
The matchup promises to be a key test for both teams as they navigate their respective
seasons.
Betting Line
As the Rebels face Middle Tennessee, the expectation is for another dominant performance.
The opening betting line of 42 points reflects Ole Miss’s anticipated superiority. The Rebels
easily covered the -45.5 line against Furman, and look poised to exceed expectations again in
week two. The primary objective for MTSU is ball control and achieving first downs to keep the
ball out of Dart’s hands. The over/under opened at 62.5 which is higher than anticipated given
how strong Ole Miss’s defense played against Furman – it would appear Vegas is spotting the
Raiders some points and if that’s the case then I expect the over to hit for the second week in a
row.
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