Over the last 10 quarters, Ole Miss has surrendered a total of 36 points. That’s in stark contrast to the 28 points the Rebels gave up in the first half to Arkansas on Sept. 13. But after an uneven start to the season, the defense for No. 4 Ole Miss (5-0, 3-0 SEC) seems to have found its footing.
The Rebels have their first bye this week before playing Washington State on Oct. 11. Here is a defensive report card on undefeated Ole Miss through five games.
Defensive line
It was always going to be difficult for Ole Miss’ defensive line to live up to the lofty expectations the 2024 group set. Three NFL Draft picks, including first-round defensive tackle Walter Nolen, helped the Rebels lead the nation in sacks per game and tackles-for-loss and rank second in rushing yards allowed. Ole Miss’ revamped defensive line came into the season with a “talented but young” reputation and, through the first three games, that appeared to be the case. Senior Zxavian Harris has looked like one of the best defensive linemen in the SEC, and sophomores Kam Franklin and Will Echoles have taken their next anticipated steps, too.
Through the first three games, the Rebels surrendered just under 195 rushing yards per game and six touchdowns. Over the last two games, those numbers have dropped to 117.5 yards per game and one touchdown, respectively, including just 57 rushing yards to then-No. 4 LSU.
As improved as the defensive line has been in recent weeks, the lack of sacks the team has notched is of note. Last season, Ole Miss averaged four sacks per game; the Rebels have five total sacks in five games. The Rebels are getting close to opposing quarterbacks – the team has 63 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus – but hasn’t been able to convert those opportunities into sacks.
Grade: B+/B
Linebackers
Junior linebacker Suntarine Perkins logged 10.5 sacks last season but has yet to register one this season. He has been used in a variety of ways this year, however, including in coverage. He has an 81.6 coverage grade, per PFF, and has 76 snaps in coverage compared to 58 as a pass rusher. Fellow junior TJ Dottery has 31 tackles, and Marshall junior transfer Jaden Yates leads the team with 32 tackles. The Rebels’ improved run defense isn’t just by virtue of improved defensive line play – the linebackers deserve their flowers, too.
Grade: A-/B+
Secondary
Given the loss of star cornerback Trey Amos and stalwarts like safety Trey Washington, defensive backfield was one of the biggest questions facing the Rebels’ defense heading into the 2025 season. And, minus one subpar performance against Arkansas and Taylen Green, that group has held up well. The Rebels surrender 172.4 yards per game, which is 31st nationally, and held LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier to just 197 yards. The previous week, Tulane quarterbacks were held to 10 of 29 passing for 104 yards. Green threw for 305 yards against Ole Miss, but no other team has racked up 200 passing yards against the Rebels this season. They have the No. 14 passing efficiency defense in the FBS as well.
Grade: A-
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