Ole Miss will be without its leading running back when it hosts Auburn on Saturday, but the Tigers don’t expect the Rebels to overhaul their offense.
Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin said Lacy’s absence won’t change the core of Ole Miss’ system. The Tigers have also studied the backs behind Lacy, who has missed time at different points this season.
“I don’t think it really changes what they do offensively,” Durkin said, while acknowledging that Lacy is a standout player.
Lacy dislocated his shoulder during Ole Miss’ loss at Texas. Coach Pete Golding ruled him out for the Auburn game and said the team would continue evaluating the injury. Lacy leads the Rebels with 388 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season.
Makhi Frazier is the most experienced option behind Lacy. He has rushed for 301 yards on 51 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. Shekai Mills-Knight has added 42 yards and a touchdown on four carries. Golding said the Rebels will need contributions from the entire running back room.
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss could also help carry the rushing load. He has gained 134 yards this season, and his mobility gives Auburn another threat to account for as Ole Miss adjusts its rotation.
Auburn’s run defense has faced some difficult outings recently, allowing 237 rushing yards to Tennessee and 174 to LSU. That could give Ole Miss an opportunity to keep its ground game involved, even without Lacy.
Durkin’s comments suggest the Tigers expect Ole Miss to stick with its familiar approach and trust the next backs to carry it out. Ole Miss and Auburn meet Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11:45 a.m. CT on the SEC Network.
