As much credit as Ole Miss’ defensive line has gotten for its thorough retooling in the offseason, the Rebels’ offensive line got itself a makeover, too. And, at least as of the last few games, No. 10 Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2 SEC) is reaping the benefits.
Among the biggest additions from the transfer portal up front were senior Washington transfers Julius Buelow and Nate Kalepo, as were junior tackle Diego Pounds from North Carolina and senior guard/center Gerquan Scott from Southern Miss. But the Rebels’ offensive line was in flux for the early portions of the 2024 season. Senior Jeremy James — with 50 starts under his belt — was injured in the season opener. Scott missed three of the first four games of the season, starting left tackle Jayden Williams hasn’t played in an SEC game due to injury and right tackle Micah Pettus did not play against Oklahoma. Senior Caleb Warren, who started 12 games at center last year, has not started a game in 2024; it has instead been senior Reece McIntyre starting all 10 games.
The early returns on the new-look group were up and down. Ole Miss gave up 11 sacks in its first three SEC games, including six in a loss at LSU. Since the bye week following the loss to the Tigers, Ole Miss has given up a single sack in each of its three games against Oklahoma, Arkansas and then-No. 3 Georgia. Pounds, Kalepo, McIntyre, Scott and Pettus started against the Bulldogs.
“They’ve done, for a number of weeks now, really good in the pass protection in the passing game, identification and the physical part of it,” head coach Lane Kiffin said after the win over Georgia. “ … That’s a really good defense that does a lot of things.”
The Sooners entered their game against Ole Miss averaging 3.57 sacks per game, the Razorbacks 2.25 per game and the Bulldogs — with their vaunted defensive front — averaged 2.5 heading into last weekend’s matchup. Outside of the second play of the game, Georgia was unable to sack senior Jaxson Dart or redshirt freshman Austin Simmons. While the running game hasn’t been at its best in recent weeks, averaging just over 111 yards per game the last three games, Ole Miss’ offensive line is protecting the passer as well as ever.
Against Arkansas, the Rebels had two starting offensive linemen — Pettus and Buelow — with pass blocking grades above 73, according to Pro Football Focus. Pettus’ grade of 82.2 was a season best for the him. Against Georgia, Kalepo’s 72.2 pass-blocking grade led the Rebels, followed by Pettus’ 71.8. Through the LSU game, Ole Miss’ 2.43 sacks per game allowed was tied for 94th nationally; that number is down to two per game and is now tied for 70th nationally.
Ole Miss’ final two opponents of the regular season, Florida and Mississippi State, average 2.22 and 0.70 sacks per game, respectively.
“They’re the boys that made this thing roll,” Dart said Saturday. “ … They’ve done an amazing job these past three weeks. They’re kind of finding their stride, they’re getting a lot more comfortable with things that we’re doing. And I feel like we’re kind of finding our identity as an offense these past few weeks, and it’s been a lot of fun.
“ … They know how much I love them, and they know that each week, they’re going to be the tone-setters of the game, and they did an amazing job tonight.”
Dart named semifinalist for Davey O’Brien, Maxwell Awards
Dart was named a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards on Tuesday, given annually to the nation’s best quarterback and best player, respectively. Dart leads the FBS in passing efficiency and total offense, is second in passing yards and is tied for sixth in passing touchdowns.
Junior defensive tackle Walter Nolen and junior linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. were both named semifinalists for the Bednarik Award Tuesday as well, which is given annually to the nation’s top defender.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
