#10 Texas def. #18 Ole Miss, 66–24
PML College Football League
Texas didn’t just beat Ole Miss — they controlled, overwhelmed, and buried them. From a 28-point second quarter to a 31-point fourth, this was a statement performance built on explosive offense, balanced quarterback play, and a defense that created chaos all night.
Below is a complete evaluation of every major contributor.
Quarterbacks
Akili Smith Jr. (SO, QB)
10/17, 163 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT | 197.5 passer rating
4 rushes, 15 yards, 1 fumble
Smith Jr. was surgical. While he didn’t pile up volume stats, his efficiency and explosiveness defined the night. Three touchdown passes on just 17 attempts speaks to how cleanly he operated the offense.
What stood out:
- Elite downfield accuracy (47-yard long)
- Calm pocket presence, minimal sacks (2)
- Trusted to attack vertically early and often
The lone blemish was a fumble on a scramble, but it didn’t affect momentum. Smith Jr. continues to show that when Texas needs precision and tempo, he’s fully capable of running the offense at a high level.
Grade: A
Marcel Reed (QB)
16/29, 242 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT | 115.9 rating
7 carries, 65 yards, 2 TDs
Reed’s night was volatile — but still productive. The interceptions are notable, but context matters: Reed attacked aggressively and made Ole Miss defend the entire field.
What he brought:
- Dual-threat explosiveness (9.3 YPC rushing)
- Two rushing TDs that broke the Rebels’ spine
- A 52-yard strike that flipped field position
The turnovers will need correction, but Reed’s ability to stress defenses with his legs continues to be a massive asset in Texas’ offense.
Grade: B+
Running Backs
Bo Jackson (JR, HB)
11 carries, 118 yards, 2 TDs | 10.7 YPC
Jackson was unstoppable. Ole Miss had no answer for his vision and burst once he hit the second level.
Key notes:
- 51-yard long run
- Consistently punished light boxes
- Excellent balance and patience
This was a tone-setting performance that forced Ole Miss safeties into the box, opening everything else.
Grade: A+
Marcel Reed (QB – rushing)
Already covered, but worth reiterating: his designed QB runs were lethal and broke Ole Miss’ containment discipline.
Matthew Rome
5 carries, 45 yards | 9.0 YPC
Rome was extremely efficient in limited touches. He kept the offense on schedule and showed burst when spelled in.
Grade: B+
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
Jordan Washington (SR, TE)
6 catches, 131 yards, 2 TDs
Washington was the mismatch Ole Miss never solved. Linebackers couldn’t run with him, safeties couldn’t out-physical him.
Highlights:
- 47-yard explosive play
- 82 yards after catch
- Dominant red-zone presence
This was an NFL-caliber tight end performance.
Grade: A+
Kaliq Lockett (WR)
7 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD
Lockett continues to prove he’s a complete receiver:
- Stretched the field vertically (52-yard long)
- Reliable chain mover
- Drew coverage away from Washington
He’s becoming a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.
Grade: A
Bo Jackson (receiving)
3 catches, 43 yards
Jackson’s versatility was on full display. Ole Miss linebackers had no chance covering him in space.
Grade: A-
J. French
4 catches, 39 yards
Solid underneath option. Did his job, moved the chains, and didn’t force anything.
Grade: B
D. McCutcheon
3 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD
Excellent red-zone contribution and strong hands near the goal line.
Grade: B+
Defense
Texas’ defense was opportunistic, disciplined, and violent at the point of attack.
Xavier Filsaime (FS)
9 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 pass deflections
Filsaime played center field beautifully. He erased deep shots and was consistently around the ball.
Grade: A
TyQuan Smith (LB)
9 tackles, 1 TFL
Smith was a tone-setter in the box. He filled gaps, cleaned up runs, and stayed assignment-sound.
Grade: A-
Kobe Black (CB)
7 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 pass deflection
Elite night. Two interceptions — including one that killed Ole Miss momentum — and sticky coverage all game.
Grade: A+
Jonah Williams SS
7 tackles, 2 TFL
Williams was disruptive and aggressive, living in the backfield.
Grade: A
A. Cloud
7 tackles, 3 TFL
One of the unsung heroes of the night. Consistently beat blocks and made plays behind the line.
Grade: A
Dalton Brooks
6 tackles, 1 INT
Brooks continues to prove why the secondary is deeper and more dangerous this season.
Grade: A-
C. Ross II
6 tackles, 2 INTs (20 INT yards)
Game-changing performance. His two interceptions completely shut the door on any Ole Miss comeback hopes.
Grade: A+
M. Charles (DL)
4 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 TFL
Quietly dominant in the trenches. Consistently collapsed the pocket.
Grade: A-
Team Takeaways
- 648 total yards on 8.9 yards per play
- Six total turnovers forced
- Multiple players scored, multiple defenders starred
- Balance, depth, and explosiveness at every level
This wasn’t just a win — it was a program statement. Texas looked like a complete, championship-level team from top to bottom.
