Ole Miss Rebels Break Out Strong in First Half, Lead 30-17

By Adam Brown
Sports Editor

Sophomore D.K. Metcalf breaking away for the first touchdown of the 2018 season. Photo courtesy of Josh McCoy Ole Miss Athletics

Ole Miss opened strong out of the gate Sept. 1 against Texas Tech at NRG Stadium in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff.

The Rebels found pay dirt on the second play of the game on a 58-yard touchdown pass by senior Jordan Ta’amu to sophomore D.K. Metcalf to go ahead 7-0. Texas Tech responded quickly with touchdown on a 16-yard scamper by Da’Leon Ward.

Metcalf finished the half with four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Ole Miss then took the kickoff 94-yards by Jaylon Jones to go ahead 14-7 and didn’t give up the lead the rest of the half. Kicker Luke Logan added a field goal from 24-yards out with 4:30 left in the quarter.

Ta’amu started the game on fire going 5-for-5 before a incomplete pass. He finished the half with 251 yards passing and one touchdown.

The Rebels RB Scottie Phillips opened the game with a 39-yard touchdown run, making the score 24-7 at the end of the first quarter. Phillips ended the half with seven carries for 71 yards and a touchdown.

In the second quarter Texas Tech cut into the deficit with a 25-yard field goal.

Both teams settled in and the Rebels added another two field goals off the boot of Logan.

Ole Miss went in the locker room up 30-17.