Malik Heath injury could hamper Ole Miss comeback attempt vs. LSU in fourth quarter

Down by two scores to LSU in Baton Rouge, La., in the fourth quarter, the Ole Miss offense has had to try to find its groove again in a hostile environment. It will now have to do so with its leading receiver on the afternoon banged-up after a Malik Heath injury near the sideline on a crucial third-down play forced a commercial break in the game.

Heath hauled in a short dump-off from quarterback Jaxson Dart on a third-and-13 early in the fourth quarter, then was slung down by cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

His left shoulder hit the turf hard, and Heath immediately began writing on the ground in pain.

As the game cut to commercial break, trainers came out to tend to him. Heath had been Dart’s favorite target in the game, recording seven catches for 144 yards prior to his injury.

Heath entered the day leading Ole Miss in receptions on the season with 23. He was second only to fellow receiver Jonathan Mingo in receiving yardage. Heath had racked up 346 yards and three touchdowns receiving entering Saturday’s game.

UPDATE, 6:45 p.m. ET: Heath has re-entered the game for Ole Miss following his brief injury scare.

Ole Miss’ comeback chances looking bleak

Ole Miss had to punt following the Malik Heath injury, giving LSU the ball back with a chance to extend the lead.

The Tigers did just that, marching promptly down the field on a seven-play, 80-yard drive that was capped by a 17-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jayden Daniels. The scoring drive extended LSU’s lead to 38-20 with 8:36 to play in the game.

After Ole Miss opened up the game with a 17-3 lead, LSU has outscored the Rebels 35-3 to take command of the game.

At No. 7 nationally, Ole Miss will have to put together something in a hurry if it hopes to avoid falling from the ranks of the unbeaten.