The Ole Miss Rebels came into their Monday night game against Florida State as an underdog, but QB Chad Kelly has exploited the Seminoles in the first half.
The Ole Miss Rebels have a nice history of producing some quality quarterbacks. On Monday, current starter Chad Kelly is doing his best to etch his name alongside guys like Eli and Archie Manning. Coming into the game against the fourth-ranked Florida State Seminoles, the Rebels appeared to be the underdog, but Kelly is having none of that.
Despite the game only being in the first half, Kelly has exploited the Seminoles defense through the air. With already two touchdown passes in his pocket, Kelly went for more, smelling blood in Florida State territory. After tossing touchdowns to Damore’ea Stringfellow and D.K. Metcalf earlier in the half, Kelly decided to let Evan Engram in on the fun.
On a third-and-17, Kelly hooked up with Engram on a 21-yard touchdown pass to put the Rebels up 21-3. In a first half that was supposed to be dominated by the Florida State running game and Dalvin Cook, Kelly has taken it upon himself to play huge under the big lights of a national television audience.
Take a look at the NFL throw Kelly made to Engram.
Damn, what a throw by Chad Kelly. That's an NFL throw! Ole Miss up 21-3 early https://t.co/TyQeWKW7ni
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) September 6, 2016
There is still a ton of time left in the game, and Florida State has the kind of talent to come back from a deficit of only 18 points. However, if they continue to allow Kelly to pick apart their secondary, it will be a long night for the Seminoles. At this pace, Kelly could hang six touchdowns on Florida State before he is done.
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The best part of Kelly’s performance is that he is spreading the ball around. He is making it very difficult for the Seminoles to focus on one player, and the Rebels are reaping the benefits.