Trinidad Chambliss didn’t need huge passing numbers to take control against Vanderbilt.
The Ole Miss quarterback accounted for four touchdowns Saturday afternoon, throwing for 213 yards and three scores while adding another touchdown on the ground in the Rebels’ 52-17 victory.
More importantly, Chambliss kept Vanderbilt’s defense guessing.
He completed 20 of 30 passes, spread the football around and helped Ole Miss build a commanding 42-3 halftime lead.
Chambliss got things started with a 10-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. From there, he went to work through the air.
His first touchdown pass went to starting nose tackle Jamarious Brown on a 2-yard scoring play. He later connected with Deuce Alexander for a 39-yard touchdown before finding tight end Michael Smith for a 4-yard score.
All four of Chambliss’ touchdowns came before halftime.
That balance made Ole Miss difficult to defend.
Nine different Rebels caught passes, showing just how comfortable Chambliss was spreading the football around. Vanderbilt couldn’t simply focus on Alexander because other players were getting involved.
Chambliss wasn’t perfect. He threw an interception after halftime, but the Rebels had already taken control.
The biggest takeaway was his decision-making and command of the offense. He made plays with his arm, used his legs when needed and consistently found ways to keep Vanderbilt off balance.
Chambliss doesn’t have to throw for 300 yards every Saturday to make an impact.
When he’s distributing the football, making smart decisions and creating problems with his mobility, Ole Miss becomes a much tougher offense to defend.
Saturday was another example of what this offense can look like when Chambliss is in control.
