Rebels Show Their Strength in Second Half Against SIU

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

A.J. Brown scores two touchdowns in the 76-41 victory.

The Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Southern Illinois Salukis inside the Vaught 76-41 with a strong second half performance.

Ole Miss (2-0) got into a first-half shootout with Southern Illinois. The scoring started with Southern Illinois’ first drive as they had the ball, but the Rebels were able to answer each score to stay within striking distance.

“It’s good to be 2-0. That is the most important stat,” Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke said. “There are a lot of stats I am not happy with but that is the one I am happy with.”

In the game, Ole Miss allowed the Salukis to gain over 640 yards of total offense.

The Rebels running back, Scottie Phillips, carried the ball across paydirt for the first Ole Miss touchdown of the game. Phillips finished the day with 107 yards on the ground and two scores.

The senior quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu, rewrote some of his career marks in touchdowns and total yards in the game. He threw for 448 yards in the victory and five touchdowns. The Pearl City, Hawaii native connected with a total of four Rebels for a touchdown in the game.

Junior A.J. Brown scored two touchdowns on his eight receptions.

At the break, the Rebels trailed the Salukis 38-35 as they went into the locker rooms. The tables turned in the second half as the Landshark defense only allowed SIU to score a field goal.

“We outscored them 41-3 in the second half. I am pleased with the energy and adjustments that we made at halftime,” Luke said.

Ole Miss’ Vernon Dasher broke the game open in the fourth quarter on an 88-yard interception returned for a touchdown making the score 55-41.

The Rebels return to action next Saturday night as they play host to Alabama. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. on ESPN.