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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Fresh off the Field: Hog Roast
11/3/2024 | Football
Presented by Kroger
We have full breakdowns and highlights of Dart's records and Watkins' records at OleMissSports.com. Scroll on for reactions from the duo and a recap from head coach Lane Kiffin in this week's Fresh off the Field, presented by Kroger.
Much different feeling today, that was a really good performance and obviously there's a couple individuals with record-breaking performances, but I thought that the team played really well," Kiffin said. "To close out the first half with the stop and they missed a field goal and we go down and score a touchdown, big momentum there to take it to 35-10 at half. So, that's a really good half against a good football team on the road, 11 a.m. kick, so really pleased with a lot of people that did really well to get there. I thought that the coaches and players did a really good job today.
Dad Strength
We told you in this week's first look to keep an eye on Jordan Watkins, and as it turns out, you didn't have much of a choice as No. 11 trotted up and down the field to the tune of 247 yards and five touchdowns to break the program's single-game receiving record in both categories.
The career performance came just over a week after he welcomed his daughter into the world, and he credited his teammates for helping him through the chaotic time as a new father, allowing him to step up in a big way with Tre Harris and Caden Prieskorn unavailable.
The last few weeks have been rough, she was supposed to have the baby this Monday, but we found out that she was going to be coming early, right in the middle of a game week," Watkins said. "It's a good thing that I have my teammates around me and they were able to pick me up, and you know obviously, having the performance I did today, that was all because of them, through preparation and them sticking with it, and giving me the confidence. Just really blessed to be able to be out here with these guys, and to come out on top like we did today was awesome.
I guess "dad strength" is a real thing.
— Jordan Watkins (@jordantwatkins) November 3, 2024
Blessed beyond measures!! The newest member of the Reb family. #KGW ❤️ pic.twitter.com/05VA5JYXdS
— Jordan Watkins (@jordantwatkins) October 24, 2024
Good Feeling
We also told you to keep an eye on Jaxson Dart to have a big day, and did he ever. Dart set the Ole Miss single-game passing and total offense records, breaking marks held by Matt Corral and Archie Manning, respectively. In the process, he became the school's career total offense leader.
Ole Miss' first four SEC games came against the conference's top four pass-rushing defenses (excluding the Rebels themselves, who lead the SEC with 41 sacks). Now facing a merely average pass rush for the first time in five weeks, Dart found himself with more time to throw, crediting the protection, playmaking and preparation in the win.
I actually had a good feeling about it today. I thought we had a great week of practice, we had a great fast Friday yesterday, so I know we were ready and that's what I just echoed in the locker room," Dart said. "This is a really tough place to play and I thought from the offensive line setting the tone of the game, to J-Wat and other playmakers making plays and to our defense it was a great team effort.
Tone-Setters
While the offense that won the headlines in the end, it was the defense that set the tone early. Ole Miss drove 76 yards on its opening drive but was turned away on downs at the goal line. The defense made sure it didn't matter, though, as TJ Dottery popped Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green in the end zone, and Princely Umanmielen recovered for the game's first touchdown.
Our key matchup heading into the game was the Rebel pass rush against Green's scrambling prowess, and Ole Miss won that battle emphatically. Green netted 16 yards on the ground before exiting with an apparent ankle injury. Against Green and equally mobile backup Malachi Singleton, eight Rebels combined for eight sacks, and 10 contributed to 13 tackles for loss.
My eyes got really wide. Once I saw him keep the ball in his hand and I just wanted to get the ball out," Dottery said of his key forced fumble. "It's for sure communication. Everybody getting in on the same call to allow us to get those type of pressures and then the mentality of the defense. Everybody wants to get a piece back there. Every time we get an opportunity, everyone makes the best of their opportunity.
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