Ole Miss Football Stats 2018: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dive into the 2018 Ole Miss football season stats. It was a year filled with ups and downs for the Rebels, and understanding the numbers can really give us a clearer picture of what went down. We'll break down the key offensive, defensive, and special teams performances, looking at who stood out and where the team struggled. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's get to the nitty-gritty of the 2018 Ole Miss Rebels football stats. This season, while not a championship year, had some memorable moments and individual performances that are definitely worth revisiting through the lens of statistics. We're going to explore everything from quarterback efficiency to defensive tackles and special teams' crucial plays. Get ready for a comprehensive look at a pivotal season for Ole Miss football.

Offensive Standouts in 2018

When we talk about the 2018 Ole Miss football offensive stats, a few names immediately jump to mind, and a few key statistics tell the story of the Rebels' offensive capabilities that season. Leading the charge was quarterback Jordan Ta'amu, who had a solid year, slinging the ball for 3,949 yards and 19 touchdowns. His completion percentage was around 62%, showing he could move the chains effectively. Ta'amu's ability to extend plays with his legs was also a factor, though not his primary strength, adding a few crucial rushing yards and touchdowns when needed. The passing game was a significant part of the Ole Miss offense in 2018, and Ta'amu was the engine driving it. His yardage ranked him highly in the SEC, demonstrating his talent as a passer. We saw flashes of brilliance, with several games where he put up massive numbers, showcasing his arm strength and accuracy. It wasn't always consistent, but when he was on, he was a joy to watch. The offensive line, while facing its challenges, provided him with enough protection to air it out frequently. His leadership on the field was evident, guiding the offense through complex schemes and pressure situations. The 2018 season was Ta'amu's chance to shine, and he certainly left his mark on the program's record books, particularly in single-season passing yardage. His chemistry with his receivers was also a key factor, with several players benefiting from his aerial assault.

Beyond the quarterback, the running game, while not as prolific as some other years, still had its moments. Scottie Phillips emerged as a capable ball carrier, racking up 928 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. His powerful running style often broke tackles and gained tough yards, making him a crucial component of the offense, especially in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. He was the workhorse for the Rebels, shouldering a significant load of the carries and consistently performing. His ability to find the end zone was particularly impressive, showing a knack for capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The synergy between the passing game and the run game was something the coaching staff strived for, and Phillips played a vital role in keeping defenses honest. Without a strong running game, Ta'amu's job would have been infinitely harder, and Phillips delivered the grit and determination needed to move the ball on the ground. The 12 rushing touchdowns were a testament to his effectiveness in the red zone, a critical area for any offense. His contributions were often the difference between settling for a field goal and scoring a touchdown, making him an invaluable asset.

Receiving was another area where the 2018 Ole Miss football stats shone, particularly with the emergence of A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf. Brown led the team with 85 receptions for 1,320 yards and 6 touchdowns. His ability to make contested catches and gain yards after the catch was exceptional, making him a nightmare for opposing defensive backs. He was Ta'amu's go-to receiver, and his consistent production underscored his status as one of the top wideouts in the nation. Metcalf, though hampered by injuries at times, still showed his explosive potential, contributing 32 receptions for 569 yards and 5 touchdowns. His sheer athleticism and speed were game-changing, capable of taking any pass to the house. Together, Brown and Metcalf formed one of the most dynamic receiving duos in college football. Their ability to stretch the field and make spectacular plays energized the offense and gave opponents fits. The chemistry between Ta'amu and these receivers was palpable, with many long bombs connecting for huge gains. The 2018 season was a showcase for their talents, and their stats reflect the significant impact they had on every game. The synergy they developed with Ta'amu allowed for a potent aerial attack, and their individual brilliance often turned close games into comfortable wins. Their ability to break tackles and turn short gains into long touchdowns was a hallmark of their play.

Looking at the overall team stats, the Rebels averaged 432.3 yards per game, with 316.5 of those coming through the air. This clearly indicates an offense that was built around its passing game in 2018. While the rushing yards per game were a respectable 115.8, it was the aerial assault that truly defined the team's offensive identity. The team scored an average of 26.7 points per game, which, while not elite, was competitive in the SEC. Red zone efficiency was an area for improvement, as indicated by the number of field goals versus touchdowns in many games. However, the sheer volume of yards and the big-play ability of the receivers, coupled with Ta'amu's arm, made the Ole Miss offense a formidable challenge for many opponents throughout the 2018 season. The commitment to the passing game was evident in play-calling, and the success of players like Brown and Metcalf validated that strategy. The offensive line's performance, while not perfect, was good enough to allow this passing success, and the coaching staff did an admirable job of putting their playmakers in positions to succeed. The 2018 season was a testament to the explosive potential of the Ole Miss offense when firing on all cylinders.

Defensive Struggles and Bright Spots in 2018

Now, let's switch gears and talk about the 2018 Ole Miss football defensive stats. This was an area where the Rebels faced significant challenges, and the numbers reflect that reality. Defensively, the team struggled to contain opponents, allowing an average of 452.2 yards per game, with a staggering 265.8 yards per game coming on the ground. This indicated a clear vulnerability against the run, which opposing teams often exploited. Giving up over 265 rushing yards per game is a recipe for losing football, and it put immense pressure on the secondary to make up for it. The pass defense wasn't much better, allowing 186.3 passing yards per game, but the inability to stop the run often meant opponents could control the clock and wear down the defense. The Rebels' tackling efficiency was an area that drew criticism, with missed tackles often leading to explosive plays for the opposition. This was a recurring theme throughout the season, and it significantly impacted the team's ability to get off the field on third downs and limit big gains. The defensive front, while featuring some talented individuals, struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leading to more time for receivers to get open and for running backs to find daylight.

Despite the overall struggles, there were some bright spots on the defensive side of the ball in the 2018 Ole Miss football stats. Lakendarra "T.D." Johnson was a force at linebacker, leading the team in tackles with 91 total stops, including 7 tackles for loss. His relentless effort and ability to diagnose plays made him a consistent presence in the backfield and a vocal leader for the defense. He was often seen flying around the field, making plays wherever the ball was. Mohamed Sanogo also provided a strong presence at linebacker, contributing 80 tackles and showing his capability as a sure tackler. These two players formed a formidable inside linebacker duo, often being the last line of defense and making crucial stops. Their combined tackle numbers represented a significant portion of the team's defensive production, highlighting their importance. They were the anchors of the defense, tasked with stopping the run and providing support in the passing game. Their leadership and performance were essential in keeping the team competitive, even when other units struggled. The grit and determination they displayed week in and week out were commendable, and their stats reflect their commitment to making plays.

Another area that showed promise was the secondary, particularly with players like Javien Hamilton and Keidrean Dixon. While the numbers might not jump off the page individually, they were often tasked with covering some of the SEC's top receivers. Hamilton recorded 55 tackles and 2 interceptions, showing his ability to make plays on the ball. Dixon added 46 tackles and an interception, demonstrating his coverage skills. The defensive backs unit as a whole faced a tough schedule, and their performances, while sometimes inconsistent, were crucial in preventing even worse statistics. They were often put in difficult situations due to the struggles of the run defense, having to defend for longer periods. The turnovers forced, like the interceptions by Hamilton and Dixon, were vital in giving the offense extra possessions and shifting momentum. They showcased flashes of the talent and potential that existed within the secondary, even if the overall unit struggled with consistency. The sheer volume of passes thrown their way meant they were constantly tested, and their ability to come down with interceptions was a testament to their skill and focus. The 2018 season was a learning experience for many of these younger defensive backs, and their performances hinted at future success.

Looking at the team's ability to force turnovers, the 2018 Ole Miss football stats showed they were able to come up with 17 takeaways (10 fumbles, 7 interceptions). While not spectacular, this number was crucial for a defense that struggled to get stops consistently. The Rebels also managed 23 sacks on the season, which, while respectable, wasn't enough to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. The defensive pressure was often inconsistent, meaning quarterbacks had too much time to throw. Opponent's third-down conversion rate was a concerning 42.3%, indicating that the defense often struggled to get off the field, allowing opponents to sustain drives and control the clock. This was a direct result of the struggles against the run and the missed tackles, which allowed teams to convert crucial third downs. The defensive scoring was minimal, with only a few defensive touchdowns recorded, underscoring the unit's overall difficulty in making game-changing plays. The team's ability to force fumbles was a positive sign, showcasing some opportunistic playmaking, but it wasn't enough to offset the consistent yardage given up. The 2018 defense was a work in progress, facing a steep uphill battle against some of the nation's best offenses. The statistics paint a picture of a unit that fought hard but was often outmatched, with key areas needing significant improvement for future seasons. The missed tackles and inability to stop the run were the most glaring issues that the 2018 stats highlighted.

Special Teams Contributions in 2018

Finally, let's talk about the 2018 Ole Miss football special teams stats. Often overlooked, special teams can play a huge role in the outcome of games, and the Rebels had some solid contributors in this phase of the game. Kicker Gary Wunderlich had a decent season, converting 11 of his 14 field goal attempts, with a long of 49 yards. His accuracy was generally reliable, providing much-needed points when the offense stalled. He was a consistent performer, and his leg was a weapon the team could count on for field goals. Punter Mac Brown also did a solid job, averaging 42.2 yards per punt, with 19 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. His ability to flip the field position was crucial for a defense that often found itself backed up. He provided an important strategic advantage, giving the offense more room to operate. The net punting average was also respectable, showing his effectiveness in limiting return yardage.

In terms of kick and punt returns, the Rebels had some dynamic playmakers. Jaylen Walton was a notable return specialist, averaging 23.5 yards per kick return and showing the ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage. While he didn't have any touchdowns on returns in 2018, his ability to set up good field position for the offense was invaluable. D.K. Metcalf also contributed on punt returns, showcasing his speed and elusiveness. The kickoff return unit as a whole averaged 22.1 yards per return, which was around the national average, providing a decent starting point for the offense after scores or successful defensive stops. The punt return unit averaged 10.1 yards per return, indicating the ability to gain some yardage but lacking the game-breaking potential that leads to touchdowns. The special teams unit as a whole played a crucial role in complementing the offense and defense, providing stability and occasional sparks of brilliance. Their performance often went unnoticed, but their contributions were vital to the team's overall success and ability to compete in tough matchups. The consistent kicking and reliable punting provided a solid foundation, while the return game offered the potential for big plays. The 2018 special teams unit was a reliable part of the Ole Miss football team, providing crucial support in all three phases of the game. Their disciplined play and ability to execute under pressure were essential components of the team's performance throughout the season, even when facing adversity.

Overall, the 2018 Ole Miss football season was characterized by a potent passing offense, led by Jordan Ta'amu and a talented receiving corps, but hampered by a defense that struggled to stop the run. The special teams provided a solid foundation of reliable kicking and punting, with flashes of brilliance in the return game. Revisiting these 2018 Ole Miss football stats gives us a comprehensive understanding of the team's strengths and weaknesses that year. It was a season that showcased the explosive potential of the offense while highlighting the critical need for defensive improvement. The individual performances, like those from A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Scottie Phillips, and Lakendarra Johnson, were truly memorable and are worth celebrating. The 2018 season was a stepping stone, and understanding these statistics helps us appreciate the journey of the Ole Miss football program. We saw glimpses of greatness, and these numbers tell the story of a team striving for success in the highly competitive SEC.