No. 9/11 Rebels too much for Commodores on rainy afternoon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ole Miss scored 24 points off four Vanderbilt turnovers as the No. 9/11 Rebels cruised to a 52-17 win over the Commodores on a rain-filled Saturday afternoon at FirstBank Stadium.
Ole Miss raced to a 42-3 halftime advantage while outgaining the Dores 284-158 in the opening 30 minutes. Three Vanderbilt turnovers aided the Rebels’ fast start as the visitors tallied touchdowns off each of the takeaways.
Trinidad Chambliss finished the day 20-for-30 for 213 yards with three touchdowns through the air while adding a fourth on the ground to lead the Rebels. Makhi Frazier led the Ole Miss rushing attack with 73 yards on 13 carries. The Rebels racked up 196 total yards on the ground.
Jared Curtis finished 19-of-32 through the air for 222 yards with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions. Makhilyn Young led the Commodores on the ground with 40 yards on nine carries. Vanderbilt totaled 240 yards through the air and 103 on the ground.
After going three-and-out on the opening drive of the game, Ole Miss scored a touchdown on each of its next four drives to take control of the game. Trinidad Chambliss accounted for four first half touchdowns, throwing for three scores and adding a 10-yard scamper for six. The Rebels feasted on first half turnovers, converting a pair of Vanderbilt fumbles and an interception into 21 points.
Curtis connected with Ja’Cory Thomas for a 13-yard touchdown strike to cap a 12-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half. The touchdown catch was Thomas’ first of the season and sixth of his career. Jamezell Lassiter added a late touchdown run for his first score of the season to finish off a 10-play, 53-yard drive.
Junior Sherrill caught five passes for 55 yards to become the ninth Commodore to gain 2,000 career receiving yards. He’s now recorded a reception in 43 straight contests to extend the longest active streak in the FBS.
Brock Taylor connected on a 45-yard field goal and added a pair of extra points to move into second on Vandy’s all-time points list with 226.
Vanderbilt returns to FirstBank Stadium next Saturday to host Arkansas in a 6 p.m. kickoff.
