After drawing skepticism from Ole Miss fans during a rough start to the 2017 season, first-year offensive coordinator Phil Longo had begun to change some minds on a sunny Oxford afternoon in late October. His quick-strike Rebels offense had used touchdown drives of 31, 65, 71, and 70 seconds to build a sizable first-half lead over Arkansas—all with first-time SEC starter Jordan Ta’amu at quarterback. The new coordinator had come to Oxford to redefine tempo and he was finally making his case.
Up 31-14, Ole Miss took possession with 2:40 remaining in the half. Having already run the ball with great success, they were in prime position to move downfield and burn enough clock to keep Arkansas from having time to answer.