Ole Miss star wide receiver Tre Harris has been a pivotal player for the Rebels this season, leading their receiving corps with explosive performances, including 987 yards and nine touchdowns. However, with the much-anticipated matchup against Oklahoma on October 26, 2024, looming, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Harris will be fully fit to take the field after dealing with lingering injuries. His status is critical for the Rebels’ offensive success as they face a resilient Oklahoma defense.
The Impact of Tre Harris on Ole Miss’ Offense
There’s no denying Tre Harris has been a game-changer for Ole Miss this season. His dynamic speed, precise route-running, and ability to make crucial catches in tight coverage have made him a favorite target for quarterback Jaxson Dart. Through seven games, Harris has amassed nearly 1,000 receiving yards, averaging over 100 yards per game, with several key performances helping Ole Miss to stay competitive in the fierce SEC.
In games like the one against LSU, where Ole Miss came up just short, Harris still shone brightly, demonstrating his importance to the Rebels’ offensive scheme. His ability to stretch defenses vertically opens up the field for other offensive weapons, allowing Ole Miss to be one of the most feared passing offenses in the SEC.
But with the upcoming Oklahoma game, Ole Miss fans are holding their breath, wondering whether their star receiver will be at full strength, or if injury woes will sideline him.
Injury Background: Harris’ Challenges
Tre Harris has dealt with various injuries throughout the 2024 season, including recurring issues with his lower body that have forced him to miss practice time and even sit out portions of key games. While Ole Miss has managed to push through some of these moments with a strong supporting cast, the Rebels’ offense simply isn’t as dangerous without Harris on the field.
In the lead-up to the Oklahoma game, head coach Lane Kiffin has remained tight-lipped about Harris’ injury status. While Kiffin has noted that Harris is doing everything possible to be ready for the game, there are concerns that he may not be 100% by kickoff. This raises a significant dilemma for the Rebels’ coaching staff: should they risk playing Harris in a must-win game, or rest him to avoid further injury as the season progresses?
What Harris’ Absence Could Mean for Ole Miss
If Harris isn’t fully fit for the Oklahoma game, Ole Miss will need to adjust its offensive strategy. The absence of Harris means the Rebels will have to rely more heavily on their other receiving options, such as Dayton Wade and tight end Caden Prieskorn, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance but lack Harris’ elite playmaking ability.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has been stellar this season with 2,384 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, may have to be more creative in distributing the ball. This could mean a heavier emphasis on the running game, particularly involving Ulysses Bentley IV, who has been a consistent presence in the backfield. However, without Harris, the offense will lose much of its vertical threat, which could allow Oklahoma’s defense to stack the box and pressure Dart.
For a team like Ole Miss, which thrives on creating big plays downfield, Harris’ absence could be devastating. The Oklahoma defense, while not impenetrable, has shown the ability to limit explosive plays, ranking in the top half of the Big 12 in pass defense. Without Harris stretching the field, the Rebels may struggle to maintain offensive balance.
The Stakes Against Oklahoma
The upcoming matchup against Oklahoma is crucial for Ole Miss’ postseason hopes. After a heartbreaking loss to LSU, Ole Miss is on the fringe of contention in the SEC West and cannot afford to drop another game. A win against Oklahoma could provide a much-needed boost to their resume, keeping them in the hunt for a top-tier bowl game and potentially a New Year’s Six berth.
Oklahoma, coming off a mixed season, is looking to salvage their standing in the SEC and will come into this game hungry for a statement win. With both teams having postseason aspirations, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win for Ole Miss, especially with an injured Harris, would showcase the team’s depth and resolve. But without him, their path to victory becomes significantly more difficult.
Should Ole Miss Take the Risk?
Given the importance of this game, the decision to play Tre Harris, even if he’s not fully healthy, will be hotly debated. On one hand, Harris’ presence, even at less than 100%, could force Oklahoma’s defense to adjust their game plan, potentially opening up opportunities for other Ole Miss playmakers. On the other hand, the risk of aggravating Harris’ injury could have long-term consequences for both the player and the team, especially with key matchups still ahead in the season.
Coach Lane Kiffin has a reputation for being aggressive and taking risks, but he’ll need to weigh the potential upside of playing Harris against the possibility of losing him for an extended period if the injury worsens. For Ole Miss, it’s not just about this game but also about maintaining their momentum as they look to finish the season strong and secure a high-ranking bowl spot.
Conclusion: All Eyes on Tre Harris
As Ole Miss prepares for its crucial game against Oklahoma, all eyes are on Tre Harris and whether he’ll be fit enough to take the field. His ability to play, and more importantly, to perform at a high level, could be the difference between a much-needed win and a devastating loss for the Rebels. Harris has already proven himself to be one of the most important players in the SEC this season, and his impact on this game cannot be overstated.
For now, Rebel Nation will have to wait anxiously for the final decision on Harris’ availability. Regardless of the outcome, Ole Miss will need to bring their best to overcome Oklahoma and keep their postseason dreams alive. If Harris is ready to go, expect him to once again be the focal point of the Rebels’ high-powered offense. But if he’s forced to sit out, Ole Miss will need to find a way to compensate for his absence — a task easier said than done.