NCAAF LIVE🔴 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Ole Miss Rebels | Week 2 Game 2024 College Football 25

hyy gosh almighty who the heck are they hey Flim Flam BIM Bam Old Miss by golly and welcome to V Hemingway Stadium where the rebels are ready to take the field we have a ranked versus unranked battle coming up here and you know how chaos can ensue if they start smelling an upset as we'll see a squad from Conference USA the middle ten blue Raiders taking on the fifth ranked team in the land the Old Miss rebel glad to have you with us for EA Sports college football I'm Rees Davis David poock and Jesse Palmer with me in the booth guys we are ready to tee it up the rebels will kick it away to start us off here he comes from inside his own five and he loses the ball deep in his own end scooped up by the kicking team does life get any better than this for an offense to start a drive with a first and goal they'll try to get it in with the Run he'll be brought down at the 5 yd line and this defense is on its heels and the rebels want to crank the tempo the run up the middle looking for the score and he takes it to the house touchdown oh miss man did he show some hops for that one some serious vertial right there I tell you what everybody in front of you hey I'll go by air if I need to good job getting in the air get the D they'll try to attack one more on their score and the extra point is good and it's seven nothing they didn't have a whole lot of real estate in front of them when they took over possession but they wasted in no time couple of plays into the end zone about to kick it away after scoring the touchdown and he takes this from inside the five nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 so middle Tennessee's offense has the ball for the first time as we take a look at our impact players for this game David what do you look for to make an impact from your leaders your leaders not only have to lead the football team but they got to step up and make plays on the field keep everybody come these guys typically do a really good job of them yeah David and they also generally set the tone for their respective football teams regardless of which side of the ball they play on the teammates look towards them to step up in big games like this didn't get much on first down it's second and nine trying to impose their will with the Run they'll knock him down after a pick up of one to the 18 man down on the play as the officials take a break to let him be checked out they line up and it is a long way to the sticks from here trying to move the sticks on third down through the air sends it down field it's complet huge pick up and he'll take it in and house it touchdown Middle Tennessee and what nice play design you get your Speedster you put him in the slot usually get a better matchup and then what do you do you fade him towards that sideline run a go nice ball thrown way out wide he just runs underneath it and just too much speed couldn't catch him gets in the end zone for six Pat unit on the [Applause] field bangs it through for an extra point quick strike offense on that three place scoring drive and they put points up in electrifying fashion with an 82 yd toss for six all tied up and just about set to kick it [Applause] away here's the return from inside is 10 really disciplined job by the coverage unit to get down there and make the stop at the 19 YZ offense ready to go back to work looking for a physical attack from the gun he dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three and defense nowadays they don't look at stats of what is the yards per rush they look at how many negative plays they can create cuz why now you look at second down man it just became very predictable for this offense nice job creating the loss on first down the offense showing motion from the tight end trying to get a read on the D quarterback on the keeper a strong tackle and wrap up from the junior yeah and it's a nice job by the defense understanding listen that QB is a threat and they're going to run all kinds of options and he's going to run the football they were dialed in and got that sucker into the ground the rebels want to pick up the tempo looking to throw it's D right down the middle in complete and he threw that one up for grabs and into traffic and fortunate to get it back ah a what a great play by the defense listen that's why he plays defense yes I get it I get the jokes defensive guys can't catch real well but the offense they caught a Big Time Break right there that could have been disaster on their side of the field could have been a big turnover that led to points fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way looking for a block it's Stewart that's a perfect example of not settling for a fair catch pick up whatever yardage you can and help out the offense he'll do it himself able to scr three yards out of that one somehow it's second and seven as an offense you're okay with that you're going to run option plays and sometimes you're going to bust it big but sometimes you don't necessarily read it correctly get some positive yards and and then we come back and we do it all over again with with different reads against the different defense kept it on the ground on first down let's see what they do on second using the quick game he's close to the first down but they're going to Mark him just a little short Hey listen on offense just take what the defense gives you quarterback looks out wide he sees the DB way off of the receiver throw the easy hitch pass you'll take that completion will they keep it on the ground again here on third down they'll try to power their way ahead that just never had a chance as they controlled the middle of the field and stopped him in the back field on third down I love when you start bringing linebackers up near the line of scrimmage and you start sending them because those guys have serious speed they can come catch anybody up and down the line of scrimmage the linebacker you could tell he had a good clue what was going on he knew it was a run play fired pulled the trigger came downhill and attacked the running back and the punt hits ground to the two and goes into the end zone he just Miss pinning them right in the shadow of the goal post it'll come out to the 20 a knock him down after a gain of three to the 23 yeah and the running back didn't get much here but you know you clearly want to always establish the tempo run the football be consistent make that defense physically meet the challenge got three on first down it's second and seven from the gun the ground game gets it out to the 25 yd line a gain of [Applause] three and the rebels racing to the line in the hurry up he'll keep it himself and they're able to get a third down stop here see if they go for it on Fourth you know I really like this QB running the football because I know he's got a lot of speed but he's not the biggest guy in the world so he's not going to be able to break a lot of tackles you really got to do a good job of trying to scheme ways to get him out in more space the rebels will send out the punt unit this will be the second time they've had to kick away not going to risk a return here calls for the fair Catch and makes it just around the 30 yd line let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going out of the shoot quick toss to the right and he's almost to that first down marker there saying he's a little bit short they might want to bring out the sticks and measure but it looks as if he'll be just short of the first down and they'll come to the line with less than a yard to go running to the left and he'll have enough for the first down at the 42 that's just tough hard-nosed running you need one yard to get let the running back figure it [Applause] out it's first and 10 for this offense from the 4 two used the play fake now to throw can't find his man as he took a shot trying to deliver that football and it'll be second down he didn't have a whole lot of time to get rid of that one the defense was all over him right after the snap no wonder that thing felling and now on second down for this offense after the incompletion back to the passing game just had to get rid of that one good job to avoid the loss third and long from the 42 if they can get some of it it might give them a chance to go for it on fourth down he's got his man he just didn't have a chance to get loose and make his way to that first down marker I think fans get upset sometimes like run your route past the sticks so we get the first down but nice job by the defense understanding where the sticks were and forcing the fourth down the punt team makes its way onto the field this will be the second time they've had to kick it away was looking for more Running Room but found nothing but more tackers he's down at the 24 Old Miss ready to send the offense onto the field that last Drive fizzled out Jesse they had to punt it yeah they did and David they're just going to have to do a better job this time around erasing the mental mistakes and just trying to solve the defensive riddle understanding what they're trying to do to you and attack them there's an example of the offense taking advantage of all the attention the defense is giving this outstanding running back remember he's one of the best in the game they're expecting him to get the football so the says you know what I'll just keep it no one's keying on me I'm going to get up field and find an explosive play off the play fake on first down and they got him he'll get him down for the sack playaction pass success has a lot to do with selling that fake you could tell defense was not buying it got in the back field got the big play that sack gets this offense behind the chains it's second down running back searching for a hole they bring him down but a solid pick up to put them in position to pick up a first down listen you you got to be able to know what play to call and what hole to go through like the line blocks for a certain hole good job getting through the hole getting what was blocked getting a nice positive gain making your situation really good on the next down and the rebels in the hurry [Applause] up back to pass it's dart throwing right makes a connection he's got first down yardage across the 50 they'll mark it at the 49 when you're a playmaker like this guy is your coaches are going to dial up plays intended for you especially on third down that's what you saw in that last play there was no question where the quarterback was going with that football all week long they decided on the biggest Downs of this game we're going to Target our best player and we're going to make sure that he gets looks it doesn't matter what the coverage is and you saw it right there on that play going up top on first down the sure hands it's Amos makes that one pay off and they finally we get him down at the 38 it'll be first down and a great job by the QB finding the running back getting the football where he can do some damage after the catch and most importantly get the first down the rebels with the first and 10 Ed the play fake now to throw got a man it's Wat and he'll make his way out of bounds after the solid pick up that's a good job by the Drager out there understanding its Zone coverage so instead of continuing to run across the field he settles down into an open spot making it easy for his quarterback here comes the offense on second down he's looking to throw caught in the back field it's Wells and that is a Nifty bit of navigation to get through that traffic and get the first down well we knew coming into this game this offense was going to try and get this receiver involved and get him involved early so here they are just finding an easy completion it's not a touchdown but they just want to get this guy lathered up and get him into a r the give on the inside they make the stop give him three yards on the carry balls at the 24 and that's what you're trying to do as a defense limit those damages when they run the football ball get them on the ground short gains to set your defense for positive situations down the road after the three yd pickup they come to the line Second and seven from the gun the give looking for room they get him on the ground but it's a first down well the offense knew what they needed to get that first down so they dial up the running play and they get just enough to keep the drive alive on First and 10 trying to strike from the [Applause] 15 they think they can create space here with the run to the right this offensive line better figure out a plan for this D tackle he is tough to block with one guy you might want to start double teaming him he's going to be a problem moving forward you saw all of his ability on that last play and the rebels are in the hurry [Applause] up they'll run it nowhere to run on that when he loses four on the carry how about the defender being a heat seeking missile he was on radar lock he found the football and flew down with some bad intentions they've methodically worked it down the field this the 11th play of the drive but the defense can get off the field now back to throw it's D unleashes to the end zone and swatt it down by the defense to stop the scoring opportunity and the offense got themselves in a tough situation third and long so hard to execute especially when the field starts to shrink but the good news is they got a field goal in their back pocket and fourth down here comes the field goal unit the holder will Kno at the 24 a 34 y coming from the right hatch between the uprights it's good and with that they've taken the lead so they're lining up to kick it off after that last Drive put a three spot on the board and now the defense will try to shut him down on the move from inside is five he was hoping for something a little more Dynamic but they get him on the ground at the 20 the Middle Tennessee offense will go back to work they hope to be able to cash in on this drive David after having to punt it last time yeah and I think this offense needs to start it with the first play you need to be successful and productive on that first play and it gets you in less predictable situations no doubt too don't you just feel like there's a little bit more sense of urgency on this drive it just feels like they've got to be able to put some points up on the board here now on second [Applause] down they'll go to the ground at the 35 he's open he's run out of bounds but not before turning in a big pickup and moving the sticks for a first down on that one they decide to attack the left outside on the ground and you see the speed by the ball carrier there re picking up a huge chunk of yards I can't imagine any reason they wouldn't just run that play again if if it ain't broke don't fix it why not just go back to the well one more time to the air it's bati oh he had him right down the middle and they just squirted right through his fingers and they missed an opportunity for a nice play on first down they'll line up for a second down play they'll throw again after the incompletion shoots it to the left can't make the grab quarterback just missed him a little bit and it looks as if they've buzzed down replay wants to have another Peak at that last play so after reviewing the undisputable video evidence the replay booth has decided to overturn the call off the play fake on first down wants to throw got his man out of the back field you know and that's why this guy can play first second and third down you've already seen him earlier in the drive rip off some nice runs but he can catch the football as well they're going to find ways to get him going in all sorts of ways but you're seeing it specifically on this drive line getting set on second down give to the back tackled but he has a first down and I don't care if I get it by two by 20 by 30 by 40 I I just I just want to get the first down understanding the situation understanding where the sticks are doesn't have to be sexy but I got to make sure I get to that STI get to the first down Mark just inside the Red Zone first and 10 from the 19 trying to C this drive with a pass got it in the middle it's Willis The Tackle is made but he's got it first and goal from the six really good job working through his progression you get it to him quickly and the big tight end has a chance to run a little and and a really good job by the QB throwing an accurate throw I I got to hit those guys on the Move On The Run so they can do this they can catch the football get up field and chew up some extra yards they'll dial up the run on first and goal Relentless tough running gets it down to the four as they get set to snap at time winding down here in the quarter [Applause] he'll pull it on the read and he is stopped behind the line and that's how we'll finish the first quarter both teams wanted to establish the run and they have done exactly that in the first quarter and they've swapped into the field and we'll get it going in the second this is a big moment for this offense you keep the ball this you have to finish the deal third and goal and good coverage there to knock it away and deny the score yeah and third and short they choose not to run throw the football and I think a lot of that has to do with they know they're in field goal range they can take the three points on the board and here comes the field goal unit he'll boot it from the left side and from this distance that angle ought to be fairly easy oh that one will leave him Mar no good and after the Miss they're still down by a field goal well that's one the kicker would like to have back that's a kick he should be making in his sleep YZ offense ready to go back to work they kicked a field goal on the last Drive Jesse they've got the lead don't make a dumb mistake but Main your aggressive play caller yeah no doubt I think it's the play caller right now just taking a look at that script he's got in front of him and finding out where are my Playmakers who can we take advantage of on this defense to get a touchdown here yeah and just keep moving the ball down the field just execute a little bit better in the Red Zone there's no need to panic we're moving the football and we got the lead quarterback on the keeper got the first down in more wrestled to the ground after picking up the first down oo I like that option play I'd keep running that too because it's obvious the defense right now is really keying in on this running back that was a big point of emphasis for them all week long in practice and it's opening up holes now for the quarterback to run the rebels want to move quickly they're going to run it to the right finding an Escape Route they're ripping off chunks of yardage they get it to the 33 I love that play call this offense is going to run the football they're not just going to do it between the tackles but they're going to attack you outside you saw that with that handoff they get to the right they get him in space using his speed good play call and the rebels will snap it on First and 10 might as well run him until they stop him he's got it again tackle is made at the 30 yd line after he picked up four that's a really nice play it's impressive when it's first down and the defense thinks you might be running the football you still can line up you can get some movement at the point of attack and find a little crease for your running back solid pick up of four on first down it's second and six the run to the left he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple and the defense was locked in you could tell they saw it they reacted right away got the running back on the ground immediately now facing a third and long dropping back it's it's dark throws for the tight end complete downfield and he's brought down after a nice game this tight end is such a weapon because he can line up all over the field that time he starts in the slot he's running the corner route against Zone coverage and he's just got athleticism and wiggle and the ability to separate and make big plays so nice to have a Target like that running the Red Zone it's Amos not a lot of room down here he's able to pick up two it's down at the 12 operating in the Red Zone here on second down he's looking to throw got his man quick and there were no creases or crevices to run through and they shove him out of bounds well this tight end he's got size and he's got some athleticism and he's very difficult to cover oneon-one defense is going to have their hands full with him today really need to pick up this conversion and avoid having to settle for the field goal on third down he'll try to pick it up through the air reels it in in the end zone touchdown Rebel one of the areas they really focused on with this receiver in the offseason was we need you to make more plays for us in the end zone and we're taking shots we need to be able to step up and make tough catches David what a grab right there and I think a lot of that has to do with trusting your guy knowing where he's going to be knowing when he's going to sit down when he's not so being on the same page and then having a guy that can go get just when the ball is near him he's going to make the play just like he did right there for six points ling up to add another the kick is up and good and put one more on the lead they put together an 81 yd drive and they finish it with an 11 yd touchdown D the kickoff team out there and ready to go [Applause] on the run from inside his own five not a lot of space to be found good Hustle by the coverage team and they stop him at the 21 let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going the deficit here is just 10 points David So a chance to answer here plenty of time left in this football game no need to panic this offense just has to put a couple Drives together and listen the defense will get this back and get some stops fmer and get you the football back and I think I think here too David you have an opportunity to keep the pressure on the opponent yeah they just went down and scored but you score here and this game still tight you keep their feet to the fire so an opportunity here to keep applying that [Applause] pressure coming out on first down with the play fake he's got it downfield for a huge game oh what a big play for this offense as they get it to the 33 yd line it's a beautiful pass and catch I love the job the quarterback does manipulating the defense with his eyes he Froze that safety and that allowed his receiver more room to work his R exploded for a huge chunk of yards on that last one they'll try to do it again here first and 10 from the [Applause] 33 and it's incomplete if you're going to take a hit like that you might as well hang on to the ball well it's a nice job by the quarterback getting the ball out of his hands quickly on that RPO something he liked just not on the same page with his receiver now on second down after the incompletion he'll just keep slinging it he's got an open man that is exactly what you're looking for when you talk explosive plays the defense finally able to make the stop well this offense has come out slinging the pill they are throwing it they are trying to be aggressive Rive we're only in the second quarter guys already this guy has over 200 yd passing on first down from the 13 yd line they've marched to the Red Zone and here they go that's caught it's Willis and he'll step out of bounds after a very productive play well I know the tight end did some good things after the catch but got to give the quarterback credit too for the location of the throw because he put it out in front of his big man he was able to make the catch and accelerate creating some distance there between him and the defense first and goal and this feels like their chance to give him a finish they'll try to pound their way in he works his way ever closer all the way down to the one yd line second and goal coming up he'll run it to the right here and try to get it into the end zone nowhere to run on that one he loses four on the carry now listen the defense won that play as an offense here the key David you can't go backto back negative plays you got to be smart with the football here looks like you're going to have to throw it you just can't force it you got to make sure you're playing with that clock in your head and can't take a sa and I think this is a situation where I spread you out I get more speed on the field I make the defense declare I see what they're in but I'm defin fighting for the go line and the ball's out oh looks as if the defense got it and he's brought down and this defense gets the ball back through to and he was under so much duress on that play you saw him scrambling trying to buy time doing everything he can to keep the play alive but the defense just kept coming in waves and he got a little bit downfield before they finally knocked it out and jumped on that fumble Old Miss ready to send the offense onto the field there wasn't much need to throw it around on that last drive for the touchdown Jesse they got it done running the ball and David I don't think you have to overthink this thing if they can't stop you running it why would you stop handing it off just keep at it here on this drive well and if I'm the defense I'm making some changes I'm bringing in more big bodies I'm playing more aggressive towards the line of scrimmage I am not going to let them have that kind of drive again the rebels will hustle to the line reads it fires complete and the defense makes the immediate tackle but he has enough for the first down nice completion here to this wide receiver and you're going to see this receiver line up in different spots all over the field all game long defense has got to keep their eye on where this guy is because they know he's a big part of this offensive success first and 10 from their own 17 Ed the play fake now to throw what a job to lay out and make the catch he threw that one with some serious Heat this senior quarterback doesn't need a lot of space to get it in there and the rebels come to the line with a fresh set of downs give to the running back he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple they're trying to run the ball on first down guys but just nothing doing up front their offensive line got blown up on that play there was nowhere for that guy to go after losing a couple on that last play here's second and 12 looking to pass it's D and he'll make the grab along the sideline but he's not able to get to the first down marker look as an offense you're always going to take completions over incompletions and interception so the offense they're able to make that third down a little bit more manageable but honestly not by much now this offense facing a third and long from their own 30 from the gun wants to pass he's going for a big Play Down field he's got it down the left a huge gain on that one before he ran out of bounds and he has the first down what a beautiful throw and catch on this play and I love the job the receiver did tracking the ball in the air nice job of locating the throw and then hauling it in that is a highly efficient way to move the chains and now they are threatening inside the 40 used the play fake now to throw pass is incomplete but there is a flag beside the quarterback and this might be a roughing [Applause] call just an ill advised play by the defender to make contact with the quarterback after the throw and it cost his team comes out throwing on first down and he was hit just as he was releasing the pass and it falls to the ground incomplete quarterbacks talk about it all the time they love the clean pocket where they can step up throw the football that is not what they had nice job by the defense beating the offensive line disrupting the timing and getting a nice clean hit on the [Applause] quarterback they're going to throw it again the quick out pick up of five they'll need five more on third down well you can tell those two have been practicing the out route all off seon long they look like they could have completed that in their sleep the rebels come to the line in the hurry [Applause] up dropping back it's D looking for the score oh and he dropped it he had a touchdown right in his hands and couldn't hang on it'll be fourth down third and short in college football today you see so much more pass than you used to the offense stays aggressive and I think they stay aggressive because they know they're in field goal range they got that three in their back pocket now on fourth down here comes the field goal team it is perfect and now the leaves extended a little farther so after putting three on the board the kickoff team is out there ready to boot it [Applause] away he'll bring it out it's Stewart stopped at the 17 and he's probably second guessing that return the middle Tennessee offense will go back to work after that last drive he came back to the sideline and the coach probably said you dropped it you didn't pick it up come on get on the ball David no that's not what he said he said you're doing a great job just keep your head y yeah he got blasting you got to hold on to the football Palmer turnovers to side games those are big plays it's tough on him too cuz he knows he let his offense down on that last drive so you know that guy's eager and anxious to come out here and make a play motion trying to get the defense to show its hand grabbed over the middle it's Willis and he was just a couple of steps away from taking that one even further after the catch that throw and catch a really good example of why coaches don't want a quarterback to get stuck on a particular Target isn't it David yep that's exactly right find the guy who's open because you got so many guys that have so much speed that can do so much damage on the field find my match up get it to him let him do the rest he's there to make the Stop and they threw it in reverse losing yardage on that play you know you got to be careful as a QB throwing to your running back in man coverage if there's a linebacker draped all over him then that that Ball's not going anywhere you just saw it right there better play by the defense they'll snap it from the 25 here on second and long looking for a man it's battiato fires to the wide out and he J flat dropped it I think he wanted to run before he secured it come on receiver you can make that play you do it all the time in practice don't come out here on game day and start getting big eyes Under the big lights you got to make that catch they come to the line facing third and long from the 25 he's looking downfield to throw he's got an open man the expressway is wide open and they were looking for a chunk play and they got it the explosive picks up more than 30 well after that last play you can see how electrifying this guy is and how special he is after he makes the catch if I'm on offense I'm trying to find a lot of ways to get him touches in this game big plays like that makes play calling so much easier now it's first and 10 from the 34 he's looking to throw it trying to beat the D deep and he'll take this into the end zone but hang on just a second flag down let's see what this is about the officials offer the deal and the coach accepts it they will take the penalty pulls and throws off the RPO they make the stop but not before he takes a chunk out of what they need to move the sticks when we see another catch by this guy this defense is going to need to do a better job of tackling the catch in coverage I know they want to slap the ball away but if you can't do it and force the incompletion you've got to at least make you're able to drag him down to the ground as soon as he catches the ball a little pre- snap eye candy for the defense caught in the back field it's Willis how about this backer in pass coverage and bringing the big hit stick with him too man and tight ends in today's modern college football are so difficult to stop because they're so much more athletic than they used to be today they're just like big wide receivers so defensively how do you stop it do you have someone who has the physical itions to match up with this guy oneon-one you might not and if you don't are you comfortable putting a slower linebacker on him or do you want to put a smaller DB that might not be able to tackle him it's a real difficult puzzle to figure out and the third down pass is incomplete well on Third and short and field goal range they dial up the pass play quarterback was trying to get through his progressions there was just simply nobody open couldn't make an accurate enough throw it ball Falls incomplete Now setting up a big decision here on fourth down they just need a few more inches here on fourth down and they'll try to get it with the offense brought down to the ground but he has enough for the first down fourth and inches just trusting your offensive line they're able to get just enough movement at the point of attack to keep this drive going down to the 23 for this first and 10 he's going to pass he finds his man and he goes out of bounds after coming up with positive yardage there it's hard to run a route or get lost near the sidelines and understand exactly where you're at nice job understanding I was starting to get close to the sidelines throttle him down a little bit catching the football and making sure I was in bounds looking for a man it's battiato throws to the wide out makes the catch couldn't quite nudge it in not sure you could get much closer but it'll be first and goal and he just continues to put up numbers and that number is now over 300 this guy just throws completions man the ball doesn't seem to touch the ground he's back there he's making the right reads right now he is locked into what this defense is trying to do quarterback Quick Pass to the receiver into the Hallelujah land touchdown MTSU now that's the way to bail out the rest of the team start with bad field position put together a drive anyway and very confident you could see the quarterback just had a bit of a Swagger re he was like look all right we're starting deep in our on and and special teams didn't help us out but we can fix that right now fellas and they went out and looked so good on that last Drive he'll try to tack on one more [Applause] and the Pat will draw them one point closer they put it in the end zone with a 12pl scoring Drive he'll bring it back looking for help he was hoping for something a little more Dynamic but they get him on the ground round at the 20 YZ offense ready to go back to work they're going to open this drive with a pass looking to the big tight end makes the grab the offense will have to use its first timeout of the half nice Patience by the quarterback here working against Zone coverage he was allowing his receiver an opportunity to find that open space in the defense before pulling the trigger to throw it's D got the Quick Pass and he goes out of bounds after a nice pick up on that one well that's great timing by the quarterback and receiver on that out route if you're going to be running that against man coverage like they were there that ball has to be thrown early and it's got to be thrown out in front of the receiver and they execute it perfectly let's see what they've got on second down he's looking to throw quickly out to the tight end they'll get the first down it's spotted on the 4 hey we're getting close to halim and it looks as if the big fell wants to be all over the highlights goodness gracious he he is open when he leaves the Huddle apparently he open a ton of catches already early in this ball game they are featuring him and finding him and the rebels come to the line with a new set of downs catch in the middle it's Watkins at the 35 he's got R and this defense is a half a beat behind they just can't quite keep up they've got it down to the 21 and as a defense how scary is it having to defend this guy he's one of the fastest players in America and you saw it on that last play it's not necessarily throwing him the ball over your head they just get it to him quickly the hard part now is running and tackling that guy not easy to do looking to go up top on first down broken up incomplete and nearly intercepted In The End Zone it'll be second down you simply don't see that very often a quarterback of this guy's caliber missing a guy wide open in the end zone he makes those throws in his sleep that last incompletion leaves them with second and 10 from the 21 couldn't connect on first down now back to the air and it'll be incomplete this is some physical pass defense you know it's difficult for QBs sometimes when you're throwing to your running backs because they're not receivers you really got to be perfect with the ball placement you got to make that a catchable throw a little bit too tough for the RB on that one running out of time here in the first half they're going to have to be efficient to put some points on the board before going for it all he snares it in the endzone touchdown oh miss and it's so underrated the the relationship between a QB and a wide receiver the timing the ability to know where he's going to be and be accurate with the football that's what leads nice touchdown Jesse well the chemistry between these two guys has to be great when you're throwing in because coverage is going to be tight the throw might not be perfect but this is something these two guys have been repping in practice over and over and over and it's paying dividends now on game getting set for the point [Applause] after and with the extra point they pushed the lead out a little further so it's an 80 yd drive and they finish things off with a 21 yd touchdown pass the kickoff team out there set to boot it [Applause] away he'll bring it back from inside is five really disciplined job by the coverage unit to get down there and make the stop at the 19 with eight seconds to go in the half wonder if they'll try to get a big play just to see what happens here's the handoff on the move it's the 30 he's run out of bounds but a big play on that one and it'll be a first down I know this is an offensive line that has a ton of Pride and they want to come out each and every game and really impose their will on the dline they got just enough push there on that run play to pick up the first to the air it's battiato unloads to the wide out a strike downfield they finally make the stop but that one will make those halftime stats look a little nicer as we head to the break first half in the books time now to join Kevin Connors in our halftime update gentlemen tough to beat the pageantry and tradition there today in Oxford the passing game for both sides has been outstanding on point unrelenting they've excelled in the short game the intermediate game and especially on the Deep ball all in all a thrilling display of offensive Firepower and these defenses have a lot to discuss here at halftime with that said let's send it back to the guys at Vault Hemingway all teed up and ready to go here in the second [Applause] half he'll start the return inside his five slips through the line this guy is so dangerous the excellent Vision to find a lane and get it out and set up the offense with good field position pulls it fire complete and they'll finally get him down after a terrific pick up big play in the passing game there and I like the receiver gearing down in the zone did a nice job finding a soft spot on defense between the Defenders giving the quarterback an easy target to throw to to complete that throw the rebels headed quickly to the [Applause] line off the play fake on first down to throw it's caught down field and he is marked out of bounds after another big game this aerial attack has had no problem moving the ball with chunk PL from the 30 yd line on first [Applause] [Applause] down grab behind the line it's Wells and that defense is there to guide him out of bounds after a short gain I like the decision by the back here just get the ball out of your hands get it to your playmaker a lot of times he'll dance and make even bigger plays than he did here but it was still a positive game a lot of urgency for this [Applause] offense power football with the Run they wrestle him to the ground but he's got ready for a first down in halftime in this locker room there's a lot of positive things to talk about you got lead but you know what else will be positive Palmer get the running game going early in this second half you're absolutely right here and I think this coaching staff is going to try to put this game on the offensive line a little bit let these guys take this thing over be physical and push this defense around they're going to ride this running back and the defense holds firm no pickup at all on that play maybe that stop is a good sign for this defense maybe the defense is figured out obviously offense has been running the football with so much success something has to change that was a good start going to work on second down in the red zone and still some ground to cover to pick up that first down from the gun the running back tries to hit the hole give him about a yard on the play it's down at the 10 a third and long here they can pick up the first down without getting the touchdown they'll leave it with him picked his way through the traffic for six but it'll be fourth down and three yard to go they'll leave the offense out there to try to get it past the marker and pick up the first running for it on fourth down touchdown Rebels and they take it in for six more points another rushing touchdown that's now two on the game this offense thought they could come into this one running the ball being the more physical team and they look like it right now here comes the two-point try back to pass it's Dart looking to scramble he's into the end zone for the two and extends the lead that drive covered 62 yds for the touchdown and they finish it off with the score from the four lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown [Applause] drive here he comes from inside his own five didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going they're down by 21 points but you touchdown here and you do at least apply a little game pressure Jesse it's true I think for them to get back in this one at this point now they need the quarterback to play his best football he's going to have to be good really pre- snap David making sure they're in the right looks and he's got to be really good with his decision making he's got to be dowed in because defensively you're giving up points so it's not like you have the luxury for defense playing great the offense is going to have to score and score pretty B quick he wants to pass it on second down it's complete on the right side and he gets it up to the 36 it'll be a first down you know it's a nice throw by the QB there when you're throwing to running backs you got to make it easy on them so you want to put it right on their body make the catch simple and let them go to work like they did just there getting that first they've got it at the 36 it's a first and [Applause] 10 looking to move it through the air feeling some heat and there was nowhere to go for this quarterback and down he goes That's a good example there of complimentary defense the DBS and linebackers are playing Zone they're playing their spaces and they force the QB to to have to hold the ball try to work through his progressions and then the pass rush they win up front that's the last thing you want as an offense a negative play a sack on first down trying the left side they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one goodness great that is the way you blow up a play quick fast and in a hurry hair on fire caused a wck that had to be a blown assignment and this offense is desperate to keep this drive alive trailing by multiple possessions and it's getting late getting some heat they get enough rush and it pays off the sack at the 20 well this defense has been dominating their opponent all game long and I think you're really seeing the fruits of their labor on the recruiting Trail they have got some dudes up front out of high school in the portal and those guys are just wreaking havoc on this offensive line and here comes the punt team he gets a block tries to find a little more Running Room on that return but he'll be stopped at the 36 Old Miss ready to send the offense onto the field they had this thing in a hammer lock at halftime and now they are really ratcheting up the pressure David and I tell you what this offense doesn't have to change a thing palman they've done what they wanted in the first half and starting off the second half in the same fashion and I like how they're letting different guys get involved too they've got so many different playmakers all over the field off the RPO complete and tackled there by the defense now I think this receiver's Forte is his route running he's a guy that can line up all over the field but it's not just catching post routes and goes this guy can run shallows he can run Slants he can run the option routes and find soft spots in the defense this guy really has all the routes in his toolbox to the ground with the back they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one you can't let the same guy beat you over and over and over again you got to make adjustments sometimes you got to bring more guys in the Box more guys to the football and make sure he's not the one who beats you third and short from the 44 and we might know if they plan to go for it on fourth down by what they call here they'll try to bully their way for the first they've got it to the 49 yd line and they'll move the chains and it's really nice to have a Workhorse running back that you know you can feed and get productive gain after gain now over a 100 yards you've already got some separation on the scoreboard I would continue to feed this Workhorse and the rebels have it with a first and 10 used the play fake now to throw and he was hit just as he released it and it falls to the turf doesn't take this defense a lot of time to get to the quarterback man they've got speed all over the place they hit him so quickly and because of that the ball Falls incomplete wonder if they'll throw it again after the incompletion second and 10 from the 49 gives it to the back on the draw a they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one and sometimes for the defense it just takes one play right to create some momentum obviously this guy's been eating him up he's got over a 100 yards rushing on the day but finally David they get something positive here in the Run game defensively but you kind of know that coming in he's going to get his such a great back and he's had a great day need to put more plays together like that right there they'll run it from the gun and he's not going to make it the defense denying in the first down the rebels will try to pin them back with the punt wanted to make sure not to give them a chance for a return as it goes out of bounds the Middle Tennessee offense will go back to work David the punter got some work last time they'd like to keep him on the sidelines in this drive yeah it's not something you want to say very often you don't want the punter out there this offense needs to get back lathered up and get a little bit more of a r best way to do that identify where your best players are and just get them to football give these guys some touches to Kickstart this offense after the productive first down play it's second and six back to throw It's battiato Quickly complete they were able to get him stopped just shy of the first down marker yeah great job creating space that's what you're supposed to do when you get man coverage you got to find a way to get a step make it easy for your quarterback to read that leverage and when he drags across the field he could see had him he completes it for the first down facing a third down and short from the 26 they'll try to pick it up on the ground he is tackled but it'll be a fresh set of downs you wonder now on offense have they found something in the Run game finally it's been tough for them to get the Run game going but they picked up a nice gain on that last one let's see if they go back to it it'll be first and 10 from the [Applause] 30 used the play fake now to throw not able to hook up there incomplete well on that last play you'd like to see the quarterback be a little bit more accurate and give his guy a chance to make the play that ball wasn't even close was intended Target's body after the misfire now on second down he's looking to throw get it out on the screen didn't have much room to run and not a whole lot of help short gain there and still plenty of ground to cover for the first down they were able to make the completion but he had to pick his way for just a little bit needed a little more help to Spring him for some yardage yeah you're you're going to have success when you throw it outside like that you're going to need some more blocking and better blocking downfield give the defense credit though they were able to rally and made a tack on Third and long he has to throw for it got his man downfield he will step out of bounds but not before the big pick up and a first down for this offense yeah this defense is going to have to have a plan for this tight end especially when he lines up in the slot because there's a lot of different routes he can run and because of his size and his wing man he's very very difficult to cover it's first and 10 they've moved it to the [Applause] 41 catch in the middle it's Willis and how about that catch and run so dangerous this guy and Palmer I don't know what his grade's going to be but hitting over 400 yards on the day I I think coach are going to be pretty impressed with the day this young man had no doubt I think for defensive coordinators moving forward now you're going to be charged with having to find answers to try to slow this guy down today we've seen this defense try blitzing Zone coverage man coverage they've mixed up Personnel none of it is worked this guy has carved them apart they make the stop after the catch and still some work to do to pick up that first down well when you're running the drag route against man coverage like that as a quar got got to put the ball out in front of your target when you do that you give the guy a chance to then Advance the football up the field pick up a first down like they did right there they'll put the tight end in motion wants to throw it's battiato fires to the wide out touchdown blue Raiders and they'll put that scoreboard operator to work and put six on the board sometimes we ask coaches about halftime adjustments and they go blah blah blah blah blah and then sometimes they make some good ones sometimes that blah blah blah blah blah actually works but it's working now but it might be too little too late but at least you got the party started lining up for the Pat and the extra point is good but they still train 3521 so a drive there of 82 yds and the score comes on a 17 yd throw for the touchdown they've got it down to a two touchdown deficit trailing by 14 and about to kick it away and he takes this from inside the five didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 you miss offense ready to go back to work after giving up that last touchdown they've still got the lead but now feeling a little bit of pressure to answer with one of their own David and it gets a little bit tight listen we're getting later in the ball game this offense punted last time they got to find a few plays Palmer that they really love here steal some momentum back in this ball game they do David and after watching their defense just get gashed down the field that last Drive the dream drive for this offense would be to matriculate the ball down the field eat up some clock and finish it off with a touchdown the give to the back and he's a real Nowhere Man tackled in this no gain land nice play by the defense but now is a time they've got to be more consistent they allowed this running back to go off in that first half and moving forward now they've got to try and take this running back away and the rebels moving quickly to the line they'll give it to the back he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple and the defense is going to have to have more plays like this he has had a ball game so far running wild all day long defense finally comes up with a stop maybe get a little momentum here over a 100 yards already in this game so if I'm on defense here I'm adding more guys to the Box anticipating that they're going to continue to give this guy touches today fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way makes a move he was able to get that ball up to the the 48 yd line before he stopped on the return let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going this is a real chance to sort of settle things down maybe generate a little momentum if you can put together a touchdown drive here oh it be a great opportunity a great opportunity to make a statement and get back in this thing I mean it hasn't gone your way early but I feel like you're creating some momentum here and a score Jesse a score makes this a fun ball game it would be huge but it's on the offense they have to look at each other right now in this on the field and go look guys it's on us to March this ball down the field score some points and bring some energy now to our [Applause] [Applause] sideline and this offense just has to find a way to convert this third down or else they are really in trouble looking downfield it's vattiato wide open downfield and he was loose and in the open field and on his way a tremendous pick up on that one well how about the offense setting that play up we've seen earlier in the game a couple shorter throws they're just trying to suck those safeties closer to the line of scrimmage anticipating that they would get an opportunity to take a shot they called the perfect play at the perfect time right there [Applause] from the gun they'll give it on the [Applause] inside going to work in the Red Zone they can pick up the first down without getting it into the end zone out of the gun the inside G and this one will be stopped for No Gain if you're going to stop the run game you better be physical up front on the defensive line they've got some MERS they've got some dudes with bad intentions nice play there boy they love to move the sticks here and take a shot at it on first and goal on third down he drops to throw makes the grab and he's into the end zone touchdown Middle Tennessee this is like a baseball pitcher that can't miss he is just pounding pounding pounding the strike zone man just gets in the zone right when you can't miss you you've seen quarterbacks get like that no matter what they do they're on fire they're hitting the receivers and listen that's also on the defense the defense has to do a better job making him feel uncomfortable changing what they're doing in coverage so he's a little bit confused fuse you can't just let him pick you apart on to attempt the [Applause] try they TCH on the extra point and they're down a touchdown 3528 so that scoring Drive took only six plays and the score comes on a 12yd touchdown pass they're just about ready to kick it away [Applause] on the move from inside is five he was hoping for something a little more Dynamic that they get him on the ground at the 20 Old Miss ready to send the offense onto the field they'll have another opportunity to extend this lead after punting last time David and it's important to put that punt behind you it's it's over let it go get back to what you were doing that built this lead P yeah and defense obviously they won a few Downs uh that last drive so we got to put them on their heels here maybe mix up a few Personnel groupings and try to show them some pictures they haven't seen yet and you want to talk about his favorite receiver it might be everybody based on the number of guys getting touches in a chance to show off their hands in the passing game one quarter to go and might we have the makings of a classic fourth quarter finish they'll Run play action forced out of the pocket and they get to the quarterback and knock him down back at the 16 you know the entire concept of the playaction fake is to slow down the rush didn't work no they didn't bite on it which was great defense they didn't bite on it they knew it wasn't run played pass continued to get to the quarterback and get the quarterback on the ground this defense has kept them backed up now one more stop and they can get off the field on Third and long looking to throw it's Dart throws to the wide out got his man finally run out of bounds but he has his offense rolling with a first down and you just get the feeling that this defense has to find a way to get off the field and get the football back at this juncture of the game trailing late if they're going to win the rebels want to crank the tempo they'll ride the running back and leave it with him they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one if you're the defense you know that running back is the guy you've now got to stop he's had a lot of touches in this game yes he's made a lot of plays but you've got a chance to win here if you're going to do that you need to take him away lost one on that last one it's second and 11 caught in the back field it's Harris he almost picked up the first down on that one but he'll be just a little bit short I love an offense that wants to stay aggressive even when you've got the lead late in a game like this right you still try to find your Playmakers and get them the ball in space and that is exactly what this offense is doing passing game very effective on second down what about here on third to the ground to try to pick up the first and the rebels are stopped but not before getting it past the sticks I really like what I see from this offense with the lead in the fourth quarter and they're moving the sticks this is now the sixth play of the drive and they've been able to stay on bleed clock they want to just continue doing exactly what they're doing right now off the play fake on first down to throw fires to the big fella that's about as close as you can get to that marker and it will be second and just a few breaths away from the first down love the play call offensively because you've got the lead the defense expects you to run the ball you just did it the previous play so there you dial up play action set up an easy throw and you keep the clock ticking this offense has done a good job on this drive taking time up the clock as they come up on second down unloads to the wide out got him down field and he almost ran away from everybody on that one a huge pick up on that play nice confidence by the QB good throw over the middle of the field nice little strike down the field for a big play listen you got to throw it where it's open and he found a slot found a little hole in the middle of the field nice job attacking the re have it with a first and 10 scanning the field it's D he's right on target they go up top to get it down to the 5 yd line as they try to pay off this drive my old coach said you'll never go broke taking a profit take what's there take the positive yards and never complain operating in the Red Zone here on second down hand off to the single back he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple great team defense on that run play everybody doing their job people winning their one-on ons D linemen staying in their gaps linebackers and DBS filling you just can't do it better they'd love to pick up this third down and get a fresh set with first and goal third and long and he'll try to throw for it oh and he just flat dropped it you do not see this guy do that very often it'll be fourth down after that incompletion on Third and short it's going to be an interesting decision for the head coach because I know he believes in his guys to go get it here on fourth down and Pad the lead but if you kick a field goal you make it a two possession game here in the second half and I think that's the right decision field goal is and that will extend their lead even further you know it's funny in an age where there's so many college football analytics and everybody wants to go for it on fourth down at the end of the day it still comes down to managing good decision by the head coach here in the fourth quarter by kicking that field goal you've now made it a two possession game your chances of winning this thing have now gone way up after putting up the field goal they're set to kick it [Applause] away he'll bring it out he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 the Middle Tennessee offense will go back to work they'll run it from the gun didn't find a lot of room let's give him two out to the 20 I never know if it's grammatically correct to say a team is being out physical you hear it a lot in football though that's happening in this game they are just not getting the push they need all game up front to have any success when they decide to run it picked up two yards on that last one they need eight on second down to the air it's vattiato fires to the wide out s spot in the middle he's there to make the stop but the damage has been done as they pick up the first down on the throwing catch this is the moment for this offense to put a drive together it doesn't matter what's happened up to the point of this game but you're trailing right now you got to put some points up on the board this is where all 11 guys need to be playing together as one to the air on first down he's going to take off got to protect the merchandise gets down without taking a hit welcome to the frustrating reality of college football like the guy at the quarterback spot he can just do that pull it down get positive yards makes the defense have to account for him every single play this offense has a second down play he's looking to throw just a short pass to the tight end he's really close to that first down marker but they stop him just a bit short so an example of a tight end doing a little unheralded work to set up a much better third down situation and I like the QB here Reese I like the decision where I understand let's get this football out let's get some positive yards and then get to third down and we can still have a better situation now because we got rid of the football and took the yards that were there they'll get the first down it's spotted on the 49 yeah and this offense listen we're in fors field right we got we got to score a bunch of points here we're down we're trailing we got to go fast but we also got to get first downs and that's a nice job sneaking in the Run getting the first down and now we crank the tempo back up it'll be a first down from the 49 yd line they'll ride the hot hand and a good solid pick up for the defense Cuts him down you know it's so important for off is to want to keep third Downs manageable the way you do that is by having success like that running the football on first down solid pick up of four on first down it's second and six back to throw it's battiato and that's going to fall to the ground incomplete that was a physical matchup there third down coming offense walks to the line for play number seven of the drive it's a draw got room at the 35 and he'll pick up the first down after a tough run there and they just kind of sneak that one in there as a defensive guy third and five plus I'm thinking pass they were thinking pass Palmer and they slipped the run in and it's so nice then to have this guy at running back two right because you could throw it to him on third down or hand it off and he's got the vision and the athleticism to go pick up that first keep the drive going off play action on first down fires to the right it's caught he makes the catch he's knocked down immediately but they'll have a goal to go situation from the eight and at this point the defense looks as if they've been in one of those dizzy bat races they've got no idea where the ball's coming from he's over 500 yards passing yeah this is a Heisman trophy level performance from this guy the accuracy the decision making the athleticism everything has been on display he pushes it forward all the way to the 2yd line there's just so much for this defense to think about they've had strong side runs thrown there now the counter they know that this offense can work in the play action off of all these runs to so much offensive volume this defense needs to worry about at this point in the game movement here from the tight end looking for the End Zone on second and goal he steps and powers and works his way they finally get him down at the two and now a big third down coming up down multiple possessions this is one Palmer I'm looking for six I'm not trying to kick a field goal I want to cut into this lead with a touchdown no you got to have it and also considering all of that this is four down territory too so you need to identify who are your best players on offense and how can you give them a chance to score this touchdown they were all over him nowhere to go as that third down play turned into a disaster so on fourth down here comes the field goal kicker in a huge spot oh he missed it no good the missed field goal still leaves us with a double digit deficit still a 10-point game well everybody in the stadium thought that was an automatic three not so fast bad Miss by the kicker YZ offense ready to go back to work that last Drive was a long one Jesse they'd like this time to pay it off with a touchdown instead of a field goal no doubt ree they had a lot of good stuff going that last drive need to get a tutty up on the board here to extend that lead D and I think you definitely want a touchdown but if you put another long drive together get points multiple possessions in a row start to let those body blows add up and wear this defense out and the rebels want to pick up the tempo looking to throw it's D buying some time as he moves left they get enough rush and it pays off the sack at the 20 what a great play by the defensive tackle look sacks aren't just for very athletic long defensive ends these D tackles man they use their strength they push lineman back in the pocket collapse it and come away with the sack you make up the game plan and not a lot on the play sheet for this third and long from inside their own 20 from the gun wants to pass didn't have much of a choice just had to throw that one away it'll be fourth down and offensively we know it's hard throwing the ball in third and long situations because the defense can play Big Zone coverages they got a lot of guys with their eyes on you so the QB had no shot there nobody open nice job not forcing it not risking a turnover just throwing it away the rebels will line up to punt it away they've been busy out there to punt for the fifth time today he's got great speed he'll put a stop to that return as he gets it up to the 41 yd line let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going now they'll run the draw he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three three man the defense was in there in such a hurry they didn't even let that draw develop got to him so quick you know the draw play has to look like the pass and not look like you're faking a pass and I think there it was pretty evident they were trying to run the draw on second down looking to throw and they couldn't hold off the heat and he goes down with the sack these are the perfect situations you love to be in known passing situations these are not where the offensive tackles want to be and when you're on the edge and there's no threat of the Run pin your ears back get the nice first down sack it'll take some work to get to the sticks it's third and long from the 30 dropping back it's Batio pocket starts to collapse they're working that left side and they make the stop just short of the line to gain inches to go it'll be fourth down they've got the weapons to stay aggressive he just made a big play let's see if we can take a shot here into the end zone score and try to save as much time on the clock as we can down by multiple possessions you can't come up empty on this drive they'll go for it on fourth down he'll try to throw and pick up the first down fires deep toward the end zone can't find his man it'll be incomplete and that is a heartbreaker this late in the game they'll run it to keep this clock grinding I I know exactly what I have to do here defensively we got to get the stop so we're playing run we're selling out to run because we're thinking they're going to run the football and we got three timeouts let's use them wisely let's use those timeouts save as much clock as we can so our offense has some time on the clock to do some damage when they get the football back they'll run it from the gun showing off the arms make the stop at the 40 but it's a 10yd gain and a fresh set of downs yeah they've had a day and it's the complete and total offense they got the ground going and obviously this is why you see him you you're going to feature him because he can churn those legs get those extra yards but they've had balance throwing for touchdowns like this offense has been very complete today and that's why they're winning so big we reached the two-minute warning and this offense is that much closer to insulting away a victory they'll put it in play from the 40 on First and 10 leaves it with the running back really nice stop there from this senior leader timeout called there by the defense desperate to get the ball back and save as much time as possible linebackers moving trying to conf ref the quarterback got three on first down it's second and seven leaves it with the back draged down to the turf but not before getting the first down quick timeout called by the defense stopping the clock to save as much time as possible for their offense and the rebels will line it up on First and 10 going to the ground they'll pick up four second and Six coming defense uses a timeout quickly trying to get that ball back and preserve time for their offense after the productive first down play it's second and six trying to move them on the counter and the defense snows him under after a very short game man that D tackle is a freak athlete did you see him come out of his stance and beat the offensive lineman getting to the running back catlike quickness headed to the line at the 23 trying to convert this third and short they'll try to run for it smashes through and he'll be taken down but he does have enough for the first down this guy's been special today coming into this one they thought they had an opportunity really to get him going running the football and he has delivered you've seen Speed The Vision his ability to break tackles well over 100 rushing yards in this game and that's why they have a nice lead here late there work here is virtually done no need to take any more chances they'll line up in Victory formation and they'll take a KNE the universal symbol for we have this thing in hand for for for for