Ole Miss Clears Up Three Big Questions in Dominant Win Over Charlotte

Saturday’s 41‑9 triumph over the Charlotte 49ers gave the Ole Miss Rebels a much‑needed confidence boost heading into a daunting matchup with LSU. After a razor‑thin win over Louisville, coach Pete Golding urged his players to stay focused on the task at hand – and they delivered.

First, there was a lingering worry about Kewan Lacy’s thigh. The senior back limped out of the season‑opening game and didn’t return, leaving fans and coaches guessing. On Saturday he showed up, rushed 13 times for 87 yards and even slammed home a stiff‑arm touchdown. He didn’t need to carry the load because the game got away from the 49ers early, but seeing him on the field was a huge relief. It’s comforting to know the workhorse who logged an FBS‑leading 306 carries last season is back and healthy.

That said, the Rebels didn’t just lean on Lacy. Backup backs JT Lindsey and Makhi Frazier chipped in with four carries combined, giving the coaching staff a glimpse of depth they can tap into later in the season. Keeping Lacy fresh for the grind ahead makes sense, and the backups seem ready.

The offense, which sputtered a bit in the first half against Louisville, looked much more polished against Charlotte. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns, opening the scoring drive with a 75‑yard march that took just over four minutes. Overall, the Rebels found the end zone on seven of their ten drives – a clear sign they’ve ironed out a few early‑season wrinkles.

While Charlotte isn’t a powerhouse, the game served as a useful rehearsal. Golding challenged his unit to play a “complete” game, and the players answered. The real test now looms next week when they line up against LSU’s ferocious defense.

Finally, the wide‑receiver room, which sparked a lot of offseason chatter, finally got to prove its worth. Transfer Deuce Alexander lived up to his hype, leading the team with eight catches for 76 yards. Fellow transfer Horatio Fields added a solid four‑catch, 66‑yard, one‑touchdown performance, and Caleb Cunningham contributed six receptions for 65 yards. In total, nine Rebels recorded a catch, showing that depth exists even if the group isn’t the nation’s flashiest.

All in all, Ole Miss left the field with three major questions answered: Lacy is okay, the offense is clicking, and the receiving corps can get the job done. If they can carry that momentum into the LSU showdown, the Rebels could be shaping up for a very exciting season.