SEC Football Power Rankings: Week 2
By Kevin Miller
SEC Football Power Rankings, Week 2:
No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels (Preseason 7th)
Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss offense might have been the most impressive of week 1, even though they played the lowly Mercer Bears. The Rebels dropped 73 points on the Bears and totaled almost 700 yards of offense. Over 500 yards passing and almost 150 on the ground is massive, especially considering star running back Quinshon Judkins only had 71 total yards on the day.
Wide receiver Tre Harris had the biggest performance as he found the end zone four times on just six catches. 13 total Rebels caught a pass, the most in a game in college football this season.
Jaxson Dart won the starting quarterback job over Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders, but Coach Kiffin did not go as far as to call him the team’s starter. That will be something to keep on eye on moving forward as both quarterbacks appear frustrated with the lack of a decision from their head coach.
On defense, the Rebs were bad in 2022, so the 7 point-effort on Saturday was a welcome sight, even if it was against Mercer. They also held the Bears to less than 200 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers.
If Ole Miss can avoid a quarterback controversy and play average (or better) defense, the SEC West better look out for the Fighting Lane Kiffins.