The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels used a running game to take a 31-3 halftime lead over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on Saturday afternoon.

The Rebels received the opening kickoff to start the game, but after the drive stalled in the red zone, Caden Davis kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it 3-0 for Ole Miss.

After a quick three-and-out by MTSU, the Rebels offense took advantage and put together a quick attack that was capped off with a rushing touchdown by Henry Parrish Jr. After another dominant defensive sequence, Ole Miss stormed down the field and got another rushing score by Parrish, making the score 17-0 at the end of the first quarter.

During a seemingly planned passing play near the goal line, quarterback Jaxson Dart got involved in the running action and crowned the Rebels’ next attack with a 24-0 lead.

After a coffin corner punt by MTSU, the Rebels started the next drive inside their one-yard line, but after a 99-yard drive, Parrish again found the end zone and scored his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon to make it 31-0.

The Blue Raiders finally got a solid offense going late in the half, attacking the entire field with their passing game. However, the Rebels defense held firm in the red zone and forced a field goal that made the Rebels’ halftime lead 31-3.

Today was a similar day for Ole Miss, as the defensive line dominated the first half of the action, but the Blue Raiders were able to beat the Rebels through the air at times.

The Rebels’ game plan of hitting the ball with all their might paid off in their favor, with Parrish headlined the first half with three rushing scores.

Statistics for the first half

Jaxson Dart – 15 of 15 passes for 223 yards, one rushing touchdown

Tre Harris – Seven catches for 88 yards

Henry Parrish Jr. – 12 runs for 122 yards and three touchdowns