Ole Miss delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday, beating No. 13 Missouri 31–3. But after the game, Pete Golding made clear he still sees room for improvement.
The Rebels held Missouri to just 39 rushing yards and kept the Tigers out of the end zone. Golding said stopping the run early changed the game, putting Missouri in situations where Ole Miss could vary its coverages and pressure looks.
“When you stop the run, you can have fun,” Golding said, pointing to the defense’s ability to create difficult downs and make plays in the red zone. Landon’s late interception was one example of the defense finishing a key opportunity.
Golding also said the team had emphasized tackling after reviewing missed tackles that contributed to earlier rushing damage. He credited the defense’s preparation and effort while noting that missed tackles and explosive plays remain areas to clean up.
“It wasn’t perfect,” Golding said. “That’s the most exciting thing, that we still could play better football.”
Ole Miss found balance on offense, too. Kewan Lacy rushed for 122 yards, while Makhi Frazier added 101 as the Rebels ran for 257 yards as a team. Golding praised the running back room’s depth and said the group has stayed confident even when Lacy has been banged up.
Golding also singled out Caleb Cunningham, who caught a touchdown pass. He praised the young receiver’s size, speed and strong hands, adding that Cunningham “has a really bright future.”
The win gave Ole Miss a needed defensive response, but Golding’s message afterward was measured: enjoy the result, learn from the mistakes and get back to work.
