Ole Miss just got hit with a gut punch before heading into The Swamp, with star running back Kewan Lacy officially downgraded to doubtful for their game against Florida. This isn’t just a bump or a bruise, this is a top offensive weapon likely out of a ranked battle in hostile territory, and it makes things a whole lot tougher for the Rebels.
From Questionable to Doubtful: The Shoulder Saga
Lacy picked up a left shoulder injury in the Rebels’ emotional victory over LSU last week. Initial updates out of Oxford were super optimistic. An MRI showed he wouldn’t even need surgery, and he was first listed as questionable. Coach Pete Golding even said Lacy would be a game time decision for this big matchup. But fast forward to less than 24 hours before kickoff, and that hopeful outlook has flipped. He’s now doubtful, meaning Ole Miss is almost certainly going into Florida without him.
The Burden Shifts to Chambliss, And The Gators Know It
So what’s this mean for the Rebels’ offense? Without Lacy, who’s piled up 39 carries for 191 yards and four touchdowns this season (including 43 yards and a score against LSU before he got hurt), the burden shifts dramatically. Star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is gonna have to carry the load. We saw what happened when Lacy was limited to nine carries against LSU, right? Ole Miss basically abandoned the run game, and Chambliss threw the ball 48 times in that victory. JT Lindsey had four carries for 20 yards filling in, but that’s not a lot to work with. Florida’s defense, on the other hand, was shakier in pass defense than rush defense in their shootout win over Auburn last Saturday. You can bet the Gators are expecting a heavy dose of the passing game if Lacy can’t go. Ole Miss needs to prove they can still run the ball, even without their star, to keep Florida honest.
This is gonna be a tough one on the road. Can Chambliss ignite the offense by himself, or will they find *any* way to run the ball and keep Florida honest? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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