Slow start dooms Ole Miss at Texas, 34-27

Texas came ready to blow out Ole Miss on Saturday in Austin, but a furious Rebel comeback turned this game into a last gasp of hope that fell short with a 34-27 Longhorn win.

Ole Miss (5-2, 3-2 SEC) had its worst offensive performance of the year starting with a first half where Texas kept it out of the endzone while building a 24-3 lead. The second half was like a different team hit the field as Ole Miss countered with 21 unanswered points to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

Both quarterbacks, Trinidad Chambliss and Arch Manning, turned the ball over repeatedly combining for five interceptions in the game. It was what made this game so unpredictable at times. For moments, it seemed like the Longhorns were bound and determined to give this one away, but the Rebels wouldn’t capitalize and seize the moment.

Chambliss threw for 250 yards on 25/52 attempts with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Credit to the Texas defense in my opinion for blanketing coverage and forcing throws into coverage, but also there was just no threat for Chambliss to run in this game as he carried the ball only five times for seven yards.

There was nearly no rushing attack for Ole Miss as Kewan Lacy was bottled up then reinjured his shoulder that has been a problem the last month. Makhi Frazier did well in back-up duty rushing six times for 47 yards.

The energy it took to build the comeback seemed to come home to roost in the fourth quarter however as Texas gashed the defense on the ground behind Raleek Brown who piled up 157 yards. The Rebels defense looked gassed, and honestly it scored a touchdown of its own to even give Ole Miss a chance in this one.

It’s always frustrating to lose, and winning on the road is hard as hell especially in the SEC. There was a couple things that firmed up on Saturday however with regards to Ole Miss however, and that is every game is now an elimination game for the College Football Playoff, and Chambliss’ outside shot at a Heisman are likely now put to bed.

It was a bad night, but the Rebels can’t let this game beat them twice as Auburn comes into Oxford this Saturday at 11:45 a.m. Time for a Bloody Mary, because this coffee tastes like crap.