Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy capped off a remarkable sophomore season, making a name for himself in the SEC by leading the conference in rushing touchdowns. He earned recognition as a Doak Walker Award finalist and secured a spot as an AP All-American. Lacy’s impressive performance included six games in which he rushed for over 100 yards, with standout games featuring four performances surpassing 140 yards and a career-high of 224 yards. However, he did experience some challenges, including games where his rushing yardage fell below the 70-yard mark, including a matchup against Tulane earlier this season.
In the September 20 game against Tulane, Lacy rushed for 68 yards on 18 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, with a longest run of 12 yards, although he did score two touchdowns. With a rematch against Tulane on the horizon, Lacy acknowledges the formidable nature of their defense. “They’re still a physical, good team,” Lacy stated at a press conference. “I just have to have the right mindset this time around, come out there and be dominant.”
Speculation around his future looms, especially following the emergence of a video allegedly showing former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin discussing Lacy’s potential move to LSU. When questioned about the video, Lacy expressed surprise but emphasized his focus on the team’s current success rather than external distractions. “I’ve just been keeping my mindset on trying to 1-0 and focus on the run we’re having right now,” he said.
The transfer portal’s impending opening has added intensity to recruitment, with discussions surrounding players even before official declarations. While some argue that changing the portal timeline could curb tampering, the reality is that such practices have been part of college football for years. Historical comparisons to the NFL underscore that despite structural changes, the challenge of tampering remains.
As Lacy and Ole Miss prepare to face Tulane, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating matchup. The game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 20, at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. The odds favor Ole Miss heavily, leading to expectations for a high-stakes, competitive showdown.