Missouri running back Jamal Roberts has produced 673 yards after contact this season. Ole Miss had already missed 62 tackles before facing Vanderbilt.
Those numbers highlight one of Saturday’s biggest matchups.
The 6-foot, 216-pound senior has rushed for 828 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s coming off consecutive 200-yard performances, including 222 yards against Texas A&M.
Roberts is a back who makes defenders earn every tackle. He runs with good balance, keeps his legs moving through contact and can turn a routine gain into something much bigger.
Ole Miss Has Been Working on It
Pete Golding made tackling a priority during the open week, putting the Rebels through more physical practices to address missed tackles and poor angles.
The work showed against Vanderbilt. Ole Miss held the Commodores to 103 rushing yards in a 52-17 victory.
But Missouri presents a different challenge.
Against Texas A&M, 208 of Roberts’ 222 rushing yards came after contact. That’s a concerning number for a defense that has struggled to finish tackles.
And if Ole Miss doesn’t wrap up, Roberts has shown he can make defenders pay.
The Challenge Starts Up Front
Kam Franklin and the defensive front must control the line of scrimmage, set the edge and maintain gap discipline.
The linebackers have an equally important job. They must fill running lanes, play with proper leverage and get multiple defenders to the football rather than relying on arm tackles.
But the biggest concern is Roberts reaching the second level with momentum. One missed tackle could turn a short gain into an explosive play.
Missouri also has former Rebels Austin Simmons and Cayden Lee in the passing game, meaning Ole Miss cannot focus entirely on stopping the run.
Ole Miss showed improvement against Vanderbilt, but Roberts presents a different challenge. He’s the kind of running back who can turn one missed tackle into a big play.
Golding has spent weeks trying to fix the Rebels’ tackling problems. Against Missouri, they’ll find out how much progress they’ve really made.
