How dependent is the Longo/Ta’amu/NWO Ole Miss offense on the running game?

There’s been a lot of nail biting this summer as to how Ole Miss will replace 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Wilkins, and whether the Rebels can be a high octane offense without him?

I took a look at the numbers, starting with Jordan Ta’amu’s first full game as a starter, comparing Wilkins’ rushing yardage to Ta’amu’s passing and the result of the game.

Arkansas 118 yards (368 yds passing) — LOSS (this one was on turnovers and the defense)

Kentucky 44 yards (382 yds passing) — WIN (it turns out the Rebels could still pass without rushing for 100 yards or more)

Louisiana 124 yards (418 yds passing) — WIN (Louisiana was way over-matched)

Texas A&M 145 yards (189 yds passing) — LOSS (Wilkins had a huge night, but Ta’amu was off. Also….defense).

Mississippi State 110 yards (247 yds passing) — WIN (Wilkins’ 2 TD’s and 110 yards rushing were a difference-maker in this one. No doubt about it.)

CONCLUSION: I can’t make one from this amount of data. I’m not sure having a 100-yard rusher makes or breaks Jordan Ta’amu or NWO. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have a 100-yard rusher. Who wouldn’t want a great running game? But will the absence of a Jordan Wilkins type of back have a negative impact on Jordan Ta’amu?

I just don’t know.

My mid-summer optimistic self (beware my midsummer optimistic self — he’s wrong a lot) says there’s gonna be no stoppin’ NWO.