Ole Miss Opens Home Slate Against Southern Illinois

By Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com.

Jordan Ta’amu standing in the pocket. Photo by Randall Haley

The Ole Miss Rebels get to ‘Lock the Vaught’ for the first time this season as they play host to the Southern Illinois Salukis. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on the SEC Alternate channel.

Ole Miss (1-0) is coming off a 47-27 win over Texas Tech to open the regular season. The Rebels tallied two scoring plays of 50 yards or greater.

Junior Scottie Phillips became the eighth Ole Miss running back to surpass the 200-yard rushing mark in a single game with his 204-yard effort vs. the Red Raiders. 

“I’m happy to see him get off to that start,” Ole Miss coach Matt Luke said. “I’m excited with what I’ve seen from him through spring and fall camp.”

Senior quarterback Jordan Ta’amu threw for 336 yards in the season opener with two touchdowns.

Southern Illinois is coming off a 49-10 season-opening win at Murray State. The road win was the first one at Murray State since 1991, ending a four-game losing streak for SIU in Murray, Kentucky. The Salukis forced six turnovers and tied a school record with three defensive touchdowns; a 23-yard fumble return by Qua Brown, an interception in the end zone by Airan Reed, and a 73-yard fumble return by Michael Elbert.

“They had a big win over Murray State, 49-10. It’s pretty impressive anytime you get six turnovers and three for scores,” Luke said. “We need to be ready to go, but I’m excited for the challenge and excited to be back home.”

The Rebels and the Salukis have met on the gridiron two times prior to Saturday’s matchup, with Ole Miss leading the all-time series at 2-0. In 2011 the Rebels defeated SIU 42-24.

Fans can watch all the action on SEC Alternative Channel or catch the call on the Ole Miss Radio Network.