{
  "id": 16684202,
  "title": "Why has Ole Miss had slow starts offensively this season?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/why-has-ole-miss-had-slow-starts-offensively-this-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-27T01:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-ole-miss-had-slow-010100926.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ole Miss has struggled with slow starts in their offense during the 2026 season so far. The team has averaged 36 points per game, but their first-quarter scoring has been below expectations at 5.86 points per game over their first seven games. Ole Miss was shut out in the first quarter against Louisville and Florida, and only managed a field goal against Texas, leading to a 24-3 halftime deficit. Despite a comeback to tie the game at 24-24 in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss ultimately lost 34-27.\n\nThe Rebels have only scored on their opening drive once this season, which occurred in Week 2 against Charlotte. In every other opening possession, Ole Miss has either punted or turned the ball over on downs. Last season, Ole Miss scored on their opening drive in nine of their first 15 games, compared to just once this season.\n\nOle Miss head coach Pete Golding acknowledges the team's slow starts and stated that they evaluate their performance every week. Golding mentioned that factors such as deferring or taking the ball may impact early game performance, as they aim to learn and improve. For instance, in the game against Texas, Ole Miss opted to take the ball early due to the loud atmosphere, as they did against Florida. However, the coach noted that scoring on the first drive has been inconsistent, with only one successful opening drive this season.\n\nThe game against Auburn on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. will be broadcast on SEC Network.",
  "summary": "OXFORD – For a team averaging 36 points per game, Ole Miss hasn’t had the fastest starts in 2026. The Rebels have scored 41 points in the first quarter through seven games this season, an average of 5.86 points per game. The Rebels were shut out in the first quarters against Louisville and Florida and managed a lone field goal against Texas last weekend en route to a 24-3 halftime deficit. Ole ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Ole Miss averages 36 points per game but struggles in first quarter scoring.",
    "Only scored on opening drive once, in Week 2 against Charlotte.",
    "Coach Pete Golding acknowledges slow starts and ongoing evaluation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Rebels' inability to score on opening possessions forces the offense into early deficits that require difficult fourth-quarter comebacks to remain competitive in SEC play.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}