Things looked easy for Ole Miss football running back Henry Parrish on Saturday. His career performance against Middle Tennessee should make coach Lane Kiffin's upcoming decision easier, too.

Parrish was an engine in the Rebels' 52-3 win at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium. The senior amassed career highs in rushing yards (165) and touchdowns (four) on 14 carries. Sure, quarterback Jaxon Dart broke an SEC record for consecutive completions, but the offense ran through Parrish. Just look at Ole Miss' play calling on the first drive. The first four snaps were runs to Parrish and he picked up 51 yards in the process.

Coach Lane Kiffin said Parrish's performance played in a factor in the passing game moving so efficiently for the Rebels (2-0) against the Blue Raiders (1-1).

"I thought Jaxson ought to credit (Henry Parrish), and (offensive coordinator) Charlie Weis Jr., (analyst) Joe Judge, a lot of people were involved in (breaking the record)," Kiffin said.

Now, Kiffin needs to decide how to divide running back snaps.

The question is, why would Ole Miss go away from that with its first road game and major-conference opponent coming next week at Wake Forest? Parrish is listed as a co-starter on the depth chart along with senior running back Ulysses Bentley. Through two games, Parrish's play looks like he's earned an opportunity of sole starter.

"(Parrish) did well here as a true freshman and glad he came back, obviously," Kiffin said. "He had a great summer, he got here late and his weight was down. Put a lot of good weight on and has worked really hard for this, that was great to see."

Parrish is averaging 9.3 yards per carry this season on 22 attempts. According to the depth chart, he's competing with Bentley, who is averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Since transferring back to Ole Miss from Miami, Parrish has posted the best numbers on the team.

Even if it's not denoted on the depth chart, Parrish appears to have emerged as the de facto No. 1 option. Kiffin confirmed it's nothing Bentley did wrong, but the carries through two games tell the tale: Parrish 22, Bentley 11.

"Parrish played well in practice, so he started," Kiffin said. "It's hard to beat 11.8 yards per carry and four touchdowns."

Parrish's previous rushing high at Ole Miss was 111 yards against Arkansas in 2021.

"It feels good," Parrish said about his offseason work paying off. "Knowing that I put in the work day in and day out. I don't complain, I work. I grind. I grind hard and you can see it on the field."

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How Ole Miss football running back Henry Parrish helped Jaxson Dart