A swarming Ole Miss defense, replete with NFL prospects at all three units, had its way with Tennessee Saturday in a 34-3 home win.
And nobody was more impactful than cornerback Senquez Golson.
The senior picked off a pair of passes for his SEC-leading sixth and seventh of the season to keep the Rebels unbeaten and on top of the SEC West at 7-0. Golson set up Ole Miss' second touchdown with one pick, returning an interception of Justin Worley to the UT 35 in the second quarter. He got the best of Worley again in the third quarter near midfield for Ole Miss' third interception of the day.
But Golson, who has drawn the attention of NFL scouts, according to NFL Media reporter Albert Breer, wasn't the only one to make a big impact. Pass rusher Marquis Haynes recorded 2.5 sacks to give him 6.5 for the season, among seven Rebels sacks on the day. Johnson made a game-high 10 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a quarterback hurry. D.T. Shackelford, brothers Robert and Denzel Nkemdiche, and C.J. Johnson added one each against arguably the SEC's worst offensive line. The Rebels notched 12 tackles for loss, and Tennessee finished the game with zero rushing yards.
The defensive bright spot for Tennessee was senior linebacker A.J. Johnson, who played impressively for scouts from five NFL clubs.
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