Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss Football: 3 Takeaways From the FSU Loss

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Akeem Judd (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Their were several entertaining games over the weekend, but perhaps none more so than Ole Miss versus Florida State. Ole Miss, led by star quarterback Chad Kelly, raced out to a 28-6 lead in the first half. Surely, the game was over. But in the immortal words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend.” The Seminoles came roaring back in the second half and claimed a 45-34 victory.

So what did we learn from this incredibly interesting game? Read on to find out.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) sacks Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Offensive Line is Porous

Last season, Laremy Tunsil led an experienced Ole Miss offensive line that gave Chad Kelly all day to throw. But this year Tunsil is gone. That leaves new starter Rod Taylor protecting Kelly’s blind side.

In addition, the Rebels are starting three sophomores on the line: Javon Patterson, at left guard, Jordan Sims, at right guard, and Sean Rawlings, at right tackle. The three are long on talent, but short on experience.

Against Florida State, that proved to be a big problem. Chad Kelly was sacked five times. He also eluded a few more with his mobility. With Alabama coming to Oxford next weekend, the Rebels better find some answers in a hurry.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) sacks Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) and forces a fumble during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chad Kelly Makes Poor Decisions Under Pressure

Chad Kelly is the best quarterback in the SEC. However, even the best quarterbacks can get rattled by pressure. That definitely happened to Kelly in this game. In the first half, Florida State played conservatively on defense and Kelly picked them apart.

Things changed in the second half. Florida State turned on the pass rush. They got to Kelly five times and hurried him on several other occasions. The pressure resulted in Kelly turning the ball over four times. He threw three interceptions and fumbled once.

Defensive coordinators around the SEC had to be smiling as they watched Kelly’s second half performance. The question is will their defenses be able to get to Kelly as early and as often as Florida State’s did.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Ken Webster (5) reacts as he is assisted off the field with an apparent injury during the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Ken Webster Will Be Missed

Ken Webster was the veteran leader of the Ole Miss secondary. But the talented junior will miss the entirety of the 2016 season after suffering a gruesome leg injury. After Webster left the game, Deondre Francois went off.

Francois hung 419 yards and two touchdowns on the Rebels. He also broke two runs of just over 30 yards each. Hugh Freeze will have to hope that one of the reserve defensive backs steps up and fills Webster’s spot. The Rebels are already breaking in two new safeties, so Webster’s loss is huge for the Landsharks.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze looks on during the third quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

Ole Miss is an extremely talented team on both sides of the ball, but they have some questions. They are also young at key positions: the defensive secondary and the offensive line. The youngsters will need to do a lot of growing up before Alabama comes to town. But if they can, Ole Miss could very well knock off the Tide at home and begin a run to Atlanta, and perhaps, the College Football Playoff.

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