Ole Miss football heads into halftime with a 17–3 lead over Tulane in this high-stakes College Football Playoff matchup, delivering a composed and efficient first half in front of a roaring home crowd. The Rebels struck early, controlled the tempo, and backed up their scoreline with strong offensive production and disciplined defense.
While Tulane managed to get on the board late in the second quarter, Ole Miss has clearly dictated the flow of the game through the opening two quarters.
First-Half Scoring Summary
Ole Miss wasted no time establishing momentum, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter to jump out to a commanding 14–0 lead.
- 14:01 (1st Quarter):
Kewan Lacy capped an early drive with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful extra point to put Ole Miss ahead 7–0. - 7:26 (1st Quarter):
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss scrambled for a 4-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14–0 after another made extra point.
Tulane responded in the second quarter with a field goal to cut into the deficit, but Ole Miss answered once again.
- 14:06 (2nd Quarter):
Tulane connected on a 42-yard field goal, making it 14–3. - 3:38 (2nd Quarter):
Ole Miss added a 42-yard field goal of its own to take a 17–3 advantage into halftime.
Offensive Efficiency Favors Ole Miss
Statistically, Ole Miss has been the sharper team in the first half, posting 264 total yards compared to Tulane’s 206 yards. The Rebels’ passing game has been particularly effective, generating 192 passing yards, while Tulane has managed 125 through the air.
Ole Miss is also averaging an impressive 8.0 yards per play, showcasing big-play ability and consistent execution. Tulane, while competitive, sits at 5.7 yards per play, struggling to sustain drives against the Rebels’ defensive pressure.
Game Leaders at Halftime
Several players have stood out for Ole Miss so far:
- Trinidad Chambliss (QB):
13-of-16 passing for 167 yards and a rushing touchdown, efficiently leading the offense. - Kewan Lacy (RB):
10 carries for 67 yards and one touchdown, providing balance and power on the ground. - Deuce Alexander (WR):
5 receptions for 67 yards, consistently creating separation and extending drives.
For Tulane, quarterback Jake Retzlaff has thrown for 125 yards but also recorded an interception, while Jamauri McClure has led the ground game with 70 rushing yards.
Defensive Control Sets the Tone
Ole Miss’s defense deserves significant credit for the halftime lead. The Rebels have limited explosive plays, forced difficult third downs, and kept Tulane out of the end zone entirely through the first half. Their ability to control field position has allowed the offense to operate comfortably and without urgency.
Tulane will need to find answers quickly in the second half, particularly in pass protection and red-zone execution, if it hopes to mount a comeback.
What to Watch in the Second Half
As the teams head back to the locker rooms, several storylines will shape the remainder of the game:
- Can Ole Miss maintain offensive efficiency and avoid turnovers?
- Will Tulane open up its offense to generate explosive plays?
- How adjustments on both sides affect time of possession and tempo
With a playoff berth on the line, intensity is expected to rise significantly after halftime.
Halftime Score
Ole Miss Rebels 17
Tulane Green Wave 3
Status: Halftime
Score will be updated following the conclusion of the game.