Ole Miss Morning-After: Vanderbilt | Rebels are real contenders ‘cause their defense has caught up

In this edition of the Ole Miss Morning-After Show, a part of the Talk of Champions podcast network, Ben Garrett (OMSpirit.com/On3) and Bradley Sowell (former Rebel and eight-year NFL vet) have full reaction from the No. 12-ranked Rebels’ 33-7 win over Vanderbilt. 

The Rebels are playoff contenders, due in no small part to their defense finally pulling its weight under first-year coordinator Pete Golding. Plus, Ole Miss’ showdown in Athens is setting up to be the most significant in program history. 

Of course, the Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) have to get through Texas A&M first. Kickoff on Saturday is 11 a.m. CT.

“We brought in a lot of guys from the transfer portal,” said Rebel quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was 18 for 29 for 240 yards, one touchdown and one interception. “I came in last year (from USC) and our focus coming in here was to win. We want to play on the biggest stage, at the highest level (and) against the best teams. We want to win those games. 

“We’ve had a vision since the off-season, and I don’t think we’re getting too far ahead of ourselves. The last month of the season is something we can feel good about, but at the same time, it’s something we can’t feel satisfied with. 

“We all have to understand and remember the big reason we came here, and that’s to win a national championship.”

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