Ole Miss running back Ulysses Bentley IV breaks out against Georgia Tech and ready for more
Ole Miss Running Back Coach Kevin Smith told Rebel RB Ulysses Bentley IV early last week to get ready for a bigger role against Georgia Tech because of sore ribs that star running back Quinshon Judkins got against Tulane.
It was not known until game time if Judkins would even try to play. He did, but Bentley still got an opportunity against the Yellow Jackets and made the most of it.
On just six carries, Bentley rushed for 61 yards (10.2 yards a tote) and scored a key touchdown from 21 yards out in the third quarter to give the Rebels a 17-3 lead they never relinquished in a game that was relatively tight up until that point in the contest.
Of course, Ole Miss went on to blow the game open in the second half – partially thanks to the spark Bentley gave his team – and win 48-23 to move to 3-0 on the year.
“I prepared all week for extra duty. I knew Quinshon was down a little bit, so I knew I had to be ready,” said Ulysses. “I think I did pretty good relieving him some.
“Coach Smith told me right after the Tulane game that I needed to get ready to step up and I prepared to do that. Fortunately, it worked out for me to produce when my number was called.”
Bentley battled a broken wrist last year and never really got a big opportunity to show his ability while behind Zach Evans and freshman sensation Judkins. He’s glad he’s healthy now and will get a chance to help the team.
When asked about the Tech game, a big smile came across his face.
“It was all fun,” he said. “Just to get back out there and be able to do what I normally do and produce was just fun. A lot of fun.”
Bently is showing Ole Miss can put more on his shoulders with conference play arriving.
This week, Alabama.
“We’ve watched some film on them and know we have to prepare hard because they are going to come out hard on us,” Bentley continued. “I think we will be ready to go, but we know Alabama is a great team even though they have had some early struggles this season.
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“They play a four-down defense and they play hard. We know we have to match that intensity and play harder than they do.”
Did his production against Georgia Tech state a case for more playing time for Bentley? Another big grin.
“I know my role on this team. Anytime anyone is down, I just have to step up and keep myself ready to go,” he added. “I know Tuscaloosa is a tough place to play, but I tune out the noise and stay ready. I will just get out there and play as hard as I can.”
The Alabama game is where Ole Miss started to unravel a bit last year when they had an opportunity to win and didn’t finish.
“We’ve talked about everything, including last year,” he closed. “It’s all about putting it all on the line and we will do that.”
It’s good to know a player of Bentley’s caliber is ready to carry the rock when called upon.
With speed as his calling card, he and Judkins could develop into the kind of 1-2 punch the Rebs had with Evans and Q a year ago.
Bentley would welcome that challenge.
