Ole Miss is no longer undefeated, but certainly not because of the play of the defense. The Rebels, however, will move on without one of their land sharks. Ole Miss linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche will miss the rest of the 2014 season after breaking his ankle Saturday night against LSU.
Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed to ESPN.com on Monday Nkemdiche underwent ankle surgery on Sunday. The rehab process will keep him out for the rest of the regular season, although his potential status for any bowl game is unconfirmed at this time. Nkemdiche, listed as a co-starter on the Ole Miss depth chart, will be replaced on a full-time basis by Serderius Bryant as Ole Miss plays on.
A number of players on the Ole Miss defense were beat up by LSU in a physical battle in Baton Rouge. Fortunately for Ole Miss, no other injuries to players appear to be serious enough to cost anyone any playing time at the moment.
Ole Miss will host Auburn this week in one of many critical SEC West battles remaining on the conference schedule this season. A loss could drop Ole Miss or Auburn from the College Football Playoff discussion.