First Half Breakdown Against Arkansas

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

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

The Ole Miss Rebels had a rough start in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks on a rainy night at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Arkansas took a 27-17 lead heading into the dressing room.

Ole Miss opened the game strong as senior quarterback Jordan Ta’amu found D.K. Metcalf for a 49-yard reception on the third play of the game. The Rebels field goal kicker Luke Logan capped off a five play drive with a 36-yard score.

Arkansas responded with 17 unanswered points off a field goal and two touchdowns as Ty Storey found Cheyenne O’Grady with a 39-yard strike for a touchdown. Then the Razorbacks closed out the first quarter scoring on a 69-yard scamper by running back Rakeem Boyd.

In the second quarter, Ta’amu got the Rebels a rushing touchdown from 18 yards out. Arkansas quickly responded with a touchdown of their own as backup quarterback Cole Kelley tossed a 39-yard pass to La’Michael Pettway. The Razorbacks would score another field goal before the end of the half.

Ole Miss answered right before halftime as Ta’amu found DeMarkus Lodge from six yards out. Ta’amu finished the half passing for 180 yards with one touchdown in the air and an interception. He also carried the ball 11 times for 63 yards and one touchdown.

The Landshark defense allowed the Razorbacks a total of 303 yards in the half-168 on the ground and 135 in the air. Ole Miss finished the half with a total of 284 yards of offense 95 rushing and 189 through the air.