UGA-LY

The final score in the Ole Miss-Georgia game was ugly as the Dogs beat the Rebels 45-17 in Athens on Saturday. The Rebels got on the board early and were up 7-0 in the first quarter. A couple of possessions later the Rebels had the ball at the one yard line of Georgia on first down before they fumbled allowing Georgia to recover the fumble. This proved to be a fourteen point swing as the Dogs went on to score and tie the game at 7-7. This proved to be a huge momentum shift and game changer as the Rebels could have gone up 14-0 against the number 15 ranked Georgia Bulldogs.

As this game was not on tv, it is hard to say too much about the game. Especially since I had to listen to Kellum who does a sub par job of portraying the games. I had the privilege of listening to Larry Munson, the longtime UGA broadcaster for much of the first half. Munson is a very good broadcaster.

What I did learn from the game. Our offense is o.k. and our defense continues to be terrible.

Ben Jarvus had another game of over 100 yards and Seth Adams had another good game for the Rebels, as he connected on several long passes throughout the games. Another positive note is that the offensive line did not give up a sack this game, I believe that is probably the first time this season, the big unit has not given up a sack.

The defense is just plain terrible. This time it was not the spread offense that beat the Rebels it was the running game, as the Dogs had 328 yards of rushing. That is inexcusable. Not only can we not cover a spread, we can not cover a traditional offense. UGA ripped two big runs of 40+ yards that resulted in touchdowns. This team will not win another game until they learn to tackle.

Yet again the Rebels started the game hot, but shot themselves in the foot and mistakes cost them the momentum and eventually the game. Stupid penalties hurt the Rebels big time yet again it is late hits that cost us 45 yards this game.

Someone needs to get it together on the defensive side of the ball. Coach O commented after the game that they are going to have to get players in there that can play and want to make tackles and recruit better. I have been behind O from the beginning, but I am sorry to inform him he can not use the excuse of recruiting better players that can tackle anymore. We have had three of his recruiting classes with plenty of opportunity to recruit players to tackle, and we don't have any on this team. I am beginning to think it is the way we are coaching these players. Is this true? I have no idea.

Two questions I pose to the readers:

1) Did Coach O truly release the defense to John Thompson, or is this O's defense and Thompson is just a title?

2) Has this team lost faith in their coaching staff and given up on their effort?
(The reason I make this comment is based on several quotes by players in the papers recently about how they are "not the coaches" and the "don't know how to solve the problems.")

Basketball Commit

I am stealing this post from a post over on the Strands of Crepe Paper Blog, dedicated to Ole Miss basketball. But the Roundball Rebels picked up a commitment on Friday from a player in Memphis. I know nothing about this player, but the big deal is the fact Kennedy got a recruit out of Memphis. I can not tell you the last time the Rebels were able to get a commitment out of the city of Memphis. This is big news for the coaching staff, as Memphis is a strong bed for basketball talent. Hopefully this commitment will lead to relationships the staff can build on down the road.

Take a look at this blog for more basketball news:http://crepepaper.blogspot.com/
In a bit of a surprise, Memphis Craigmont guard Terrico White committed to our coaches last night. While White has been on campus several times in the last few years, his name has not been prominently mentioned as of late as a major target. It looked as though our major targets at off guard were Chris Babb and Will Bogan but White's out of left field commitment probably takes their slot.
White (no relation to Malcolm White) first camped at Ole Miss back when Rod Barnes was coach. He has camped at AK's camp the last two years so we have been well aware of him for a while. He has had a scholarship offer since his junior year. Most people had Terrico pegged as an Arkansas commitment since he appeared to be leaning that way this fall (he had a scheduled Fayetteville visit this weekend). He also had some connections to John Pelphrey; White played on the M33 Magic AAU team (Memphis Grizzly forward Mike Miller's AAU team that he founded and sponsors). Pelphrey recruited and coached Miller at Florida. I know that seems ridiculous but connections are becoming all important in basketball recruiting. Malcolm White also played on this AAU team some.
Terrico White is an above average athlete (however I don't believe the 42 inch verticle stuff being floated) who was a standout D1 quarterback prospect at Craigmont before he gave the sport up. He can bomb from long range and that is his forte'. He has good size for an off guard (6-5, 200). Keith Easterwood said way prior to Terrico's commitment that his defense is what has kept him from being a prospect that every high major is on. He must really step up and make a commitment there. Perception is reality and he is probably not good defender. That is where AK will have to get his attention.
Anyway, this is an overall exciting commitment. I can't think of another Ole Miss signee from the city of Memphis since John Cantrell in '94 or '95 out of MUS (I can't think of one from the public schools). Easterwood also said last spring that the Ole Miss staff was the most visible college staff in that city, so it's nice to see our legwork there was not in vain.

Vote for Lindsay

(UMAA)
ATLANTA — Ole Miss great Everett Lindsay is among the 12 candidates in AT&T’s poll of the best SEC offensive lineman of all time. It is part of the company’s “Best of 75 Years of SEC Football,” an 11-week program that allows fans to vote for their favorite players, coaches and traditions from the past.

AT&T customers can enter to vote after accessing SEC Mobile on their handsets by texting SEC to 234567. They will then receive a menu of options to choose from, which includes alerts, trivia, SEC video, news, downloads and sweepstakes. Voting began Sept. 4 and runs through Nov. 16 with results announced weekly.

Lindsay walked on at Ole Miss in 1989 and emerged as a four-year letterman and three-year starter, earning first team All-America honors in 1991 and 1992. The Raleigh, N.C., native was a fifth-round NFL draft pick of Minnesota in 1993 and spent 11 years in the league, playing with the Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.

Looking to Saturday

Well the Rebs are on the road this weekend to Athens to take on a very good Georgia Bulldog team. The Rebels always seem to play a good first half in Athens, but never seem to be able to pull out a win. It has been over ten years since the Rebels last won in Athens.

I think Ole Miss had a great game last week. However I just don't see it carrying over to a road win in Athens. It is a tough adjustment to go on the road with the type team we have and win in a place none of the players have ever been. I see Georgia coming off a very emotional win in Tuscaloosa that may have the vulnerable, but in the end I see UGA pulling this one out and winning by at least two possesions.

Here is a little info from UMAA on the Dogs:
The Bulldogs opened the 2007 season with a 16-12 home loss to South Carolina, but rebounded Saturday with a 26-23 overtime win at No. 16 Alabama. The Bulldog offense is averaging 364.0 yards of offense per game, 140.8 on the ground and 223.2 through the air.

Stafford has completed 70-of-123 passes for 569 yards with six TDs and three interceptions in the early goings of his sophomore season. WR Sean Bailey has been his primary target with 16 catches for 237 yards and one touchdown, while fellow senior Mikey Henderson has 11 grabs for 113 yards and a score.

Moreno, a redshirt freshman tailback, tops the team in rushing with 342 yards on 64 carries with two TDs, while senior Thomas Brown has 213 yards on 54 attempts with three rushing scores and two more off catches.

Baseball Back in the News

(UMAA) OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss Baseball team kicked off the fall portion of its season over the weekend with a batch of recruits that Collegiate Baseball has ranked among the nation’s best for the 2007 season the magazine announced on Tuesday.

The publication named the recruiting class No. 25 in the nation, marking the fifth time Bianco has pulled in a nationally-ranked recruiting class in his seven classes at Ole Miss.

Garrett Duff, RHP (Jr. - Richland College) – Helped lead his high school to the District Championship and earned All-District honors.

Tim Ferguson, IF (Fr. – West Brook HS) – Rawlings All-America selection and a First Team All-Region and All-District selection as a senior when he hit .485 for the year.

Jeb Galtney, IF/RHP – (Fr. – Episcopal HS) – Three-year letterwinner under Mike Netzel at Episcopal High School in Houston. Hit .358 with 26 RBI and posted a 6-2 record with one save and a 1.51 ERA.

David Goforth, RHP – (Fr. – Neshoba Central) – First Team All-State and Dandy Dozen selection as a senior also named Team MVP in 2006 and 2007 as well as an All-District selection.

OF – Michael Guerrero (Jr. – Meridian Community College) – Named First-Team All-State, All-Conference and All-Region as he hit .375 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI last year. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 38th round in 2006.

Yogi Gunther, IF (Fr. – Westminster Academy) – Louisville Slugger All-American and two-time All-State selection also named Broward County Player of the Year. Brother of former Rebel catcher Barry Gunther.

Kyle Henson. C (Jr. - San Jacinto Junior College) – Two-time All-State selection in high school and two-time All-Conference selection at San Jacinto Junior College.

Michael Hubbard, OF (Jr. – UA-Fort Smith) – Two-time JUCO All-America selection and Conference Player of the Year at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith where he hit 21 home runs as a senior and batted .375 for the year.

Michael Park, RHP (Fr. – Memphis University School) – Posted a 10-1 record as a junior and was named a pre-season Louisville Slugger All-American as a senior.

LHP – Drew Pomeranz (Fr. – Collierville HS) – Finalist for Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007 after earning All-State, All-Region and Best of the Preps honors. Lousiville Slugger All-America selection in 2006 was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 12th round in 2007 after posting a 20-6 career record with 11 saves and a 2.21 ERA.


Sean Stuyverson, IF (Jr. – Okaloosa-Walton CC) – Selected to the Florida JUCO All-Star Game after transferring to O-W CC following a freshman season at Florida State. TPX All-America selection in high school.

RHP – Josh Thomason (Fr. – Lafayette County) – Named NEMCABB Player of the Year as a senior and Second-Team All-State selection after helping lead his high school to the Class 4-A State Championship.

Matt Tracy, LHP/OF (Fr. – Christian Brothers College HS) – First-Team All-State selection as a senior after helping lead his team to the semi-finals of the state playoffs. Two-time preseason Puma All-America selection.

Jeremy Travis, OF (Jr. – NE Texas Community College) – Named an All-Conference selection at NE Texas Community College after setting several school records at Huntsville High School and being named Team MVP.

Cliff Vaughn, IF (Fr. – Memorial HS) – All-State selection at first base as a senior and All-America honorable mention selection after leading his team to a district title as a senior. Second in the city of Houston for home runs with 12 on the year.

Tyler Wells, IF – (Fr. – Vicksburg HS) – Named 2007 Athlete of the Year for his high school and team MVP while also collecting Freshman of the Year honors and Best Defensive Player awards twice. Hit .458 as a senior with 40 RBI.

Logan Williams, IF – (Fr. – South Side Bee Branch HS) – Four-time All-State, All-Conference and All-Region selection and was named Arkansas Player of the Year in 2007 after helping lead his team to the state championship.

Why No TV?

It still ticks me off knowing the Ole Miss-UGA game will not be on some form of tv this weekend. Georgia is the number 15 team in the country and this is a game with two SEC games. I fully understand there are other games this weekend that mean alot more than the game in Athens this weekend. And I am not necessarily pushing that this game should have been on cable tv this weekend, but there is no reason it should not be on pay per view this weeekend.

I have been given several excuses as to why it is not on pay per view. Everything from the SEC would not allow it due to contractual obligations to Telesouth claims there were only around 100 people that signed up for to view the Vandy game, and they lost money. I truly find that hard to believe.

My stance is whoever the production crew that works for CSS is already recording the game for play back on Friday, how much more could it be to broadcast it live. Surely the hundreds of Ole Miss and Georgia fans that would purchase the game would make up for the costs of the live production. On the flip side if this is the SEC's contractual doings, that is absolutely ridiculous.

Dex Could Be Back

This story has been released by the Clarion Ledger this afternoon and should be in the paper tomorrow. This is good news for the Rebs to see McCluster back on the field. He will be a big addition to the receiving group that has surprised me thus far this year with the plays they have made. He will also be a big asset to special teams should he be able to return kickoffs for the Rebs.

(C-L)OXFORD — Ole Miss receiver Dexter McCluster was back on the practice field today, but coach Ed Orgeron wasn’t ready to say the sophomore will be ready for Saturday’s game at Georgia.“We’re going to see what happens,” Orgeron said. “That’s always a day-by-day deal.”McCluster has missed four games with a shoulder injury, which he sustained a week before the season opener. He hasn’t played in Ole Miss’ past 10 games, dating back to the Oct. 7, 2006 game against Vanderbilt.McCluster is regarded as one of Ole Miss’ offensive playmakers and could bolster a group that has been the team’s biggest surprise. Orgeron said McCluster practiced in a yellow, non-contact jersey and his status will be monitored throughout the week.“We think he’s going to play this Saturday, but we don’t know yet,” Orgeron said. “He was still in the yellow shirt today.”

It's What Keeps You Coming Back

For Ole Miss fans, games like the one against Florida on Saturday are the one's that keep Rebel fans coming back to games. The Rebels lost to the No. 3 ranked Florida Gators 30-24 in a game that had its ups and downs for the Rebels. For the most part the Rebels played a great game. Aside from some dropped balls and not wrapping up on tackles this team played a very hard game and almost won. The problem is no one can trade field goals for touchdowns against the number 3 team in America and expect to win.

I felt like the offense played well except for when we made it to the red zone. Seth Adams continues to impress Rebel fans as he had his second 300+ yard game of the season. He showed no signs of illness as he threw several long balls on the day.

Trying to defend Tim Tebow is an extremely difficult thing to do and will be tough for any defensive coordinator in the country to do. I thought the defensive line played one of its better games of the year, and got some good penetration on Tebow at times. The thing with this guy is the patience he has to make plays and he will make a 6 yard run out of an extremely small hole. He is just that good.

The kickoff coverage continues to be a joke for this team and I don't think they have a solution to fix it. We tried several squib kicks and the only one that was really successful was a play when the Florida return guy fell down on the Florida 3 or 4 yardline. I guess we will definitely be looking in a kicker in the upcoming signing class. Field goal kicker Joshua Shene did play better this weekend and connected on all but one of his attempts.

All in all, it is another win that helps the teams spirits. However all of us on this board have discussed before that moral victories are a thing of the past for this team and it is time for the current program to eventually get that win. I give credit to the team and the coaching staff for giving it a hell of a try on Saturday, a few mistakes kept us from making that leap.

The Rebs travel to Athens this Saturday to take on a team coming off of a very emotional win against Alabama in overtime. I am very upset this game is not on any type of tv including pay per view. What a joke we can not get an SEC game on pay per view, especially one involving a team in the top 15. Come on Telesouth!

Destroyed

The time has finally come for the Rebels to take on the reigning national champions, the Florida Gators. The Gators roll into town with a record of 3-0 and have taken care of all the opponents they have played. Up until the UT-Florida game, I had not watched much of Florida aside from the national championship game last year. This team is very good. Tim Tebow is incredible. There is no telling how many yards he run up on the Rebels this weekend.

In years past you have seen Ole Miss teams show up in big games and make the games interesting for at least three quarters. I just don't see that happening this year. This team has nothing that gets me excited. To top it all off it kick-off is at 11:30, the absolute worse time for a football game in America.

I expect there to be alot of people in Oxford this weekend. However I do not expect that many Rebel fans to make it to the stadium, and those that do show up will still be asleep from the night before. All in all I expect the score to be 42-13.

Reb Notes

• Seth Adams was hurt in the Vandy game this pass weekend. No one is really sure about what the status is of Adams. There is alot of discussion on the internet about whether or not Adams will play or not this weekend. Two other rumors on the internet are that Robert Lane was seen at QB(Highly doubt it). I also received a message that ESPN reported Brent Schaeffer will not be starting for the Rebels. So maybe Adams is ok.
• Allen Walker is still a no go at linebacker to replace Jonathan Cornell. It is absolutely amazing about Walker. He was one of the most highly touted recruits coming out of Olive Branch and was down to Ole Miss and Florida when he committed to the Rebels. Yet he has not made a single contribution to this football team in the two years he has been here. Walker has on the scout team just a couple of weeks ago and would probably be there now if it were not for injuries.
• Is it just me or is the Allen Walker story seem to be the way it is with Ed Orgeron's recruits. Big name guys that have high player rankings, yet when they get to Ole Miss they become worse and have little to no impact on the football field. Why is this so?
• Our offensive line play this season has been the biggest mystery of all in my opinion. All I talked about in the off season was how awesome our offensive line was going to be. With the returning players we had and those joining the O-Line I thought they would stop everyone that tried to penetrate the line. Boy was I wrong. This line gave up 6 sacks to Vandy. That is unacceptable.

The Cellar

The Rebel loss to Vandy on Saturday night officially put them in the cellar of the SEC. I was fortunate enough to have other obligations where I did not have to watch the game live in person. Thankfully do to conflicts I did not make the trip to Nashville. By all accounts of listening to the game on the radio and parts on tv, there was nothing positive to take away from the game for the Rebels. Our defense continued to be bad and while the offense moved the ball, they could not find the endzone.

What does this loss mean for the Rebel? It means alot. In most people's opinion this was a make it or break it game for the Rebs. Many have measured the season in the first three games, saying if we went 2-1 the season would be ok and if anything less it was going to be yet another long year. Well folks, it is going to be another long one. Especially with the next two games on the schedule, in Florida and Georgia.

The Ole Miss defense has been the most disappointing in my opinion of the season. Many were led to believe the Rebels had corrected alot of problems and with new coaches and coordinator in place. Boy were we led on. This team can not tackle. It seems like to me, the Rebels miss two tackles before they actually wrap up and tackle the guy.

Also the special teams is much worse this season. Kick off coverage is a joke. No wonder all these teams are scoring points on Ole Miss. The offense starts off at the 35-45 yard line everytime. This has got to be corrected. And the field goal kicking continues to be a mystery. The kicker goes from being an All American to being very inconsistent in just one year.

The first three games have been a big disappointment. There has been very litte signs of progress from where the season ended last year to what is on the field this year. Most of the fan base has given up already on the Rebs. And the contingent of fans calling for a new head coach is growing by the minute. The Rebel nation is about to be at an all time low as far as excitement in the football program goes.

The Rebels will host Florida, the defending national champions, this Saturday. The Gators and Tebow will beat the Rebels by 25-30 points. One long time, loyal Rebel fan has predicted seeing the goal posts in the Grove on Saturday afternoon reminiscent of a 2002 Rebel victory over the then 8th ranked Gators in Oxford. I love the enthusiasm, but sorry to say that aint gonna happen this year.

Toss Up

This weekends game in Nashville is a toss up for me. Not sure who to pick to win this game. Historically Vandy plays the Rebels extremely hard and it is normally a close game. The last couple of trips to Nashville have been close games and the Rebels and Vols have each won the past two times in Nashville. The Vanderbilt program has improved alot under Head Coach Bobby Johnson. However the Commodore team has not been able to get over the hump to make it to a bowl game. They have threatened several times, but just can not get there.

The Commodores are 1-1 on the season with a loss to Alabama. Vandy hung with the Tide and got messed over on a call in my opinion that really changed the momentum of the game. They have several good players that can make big plays. All in all, while it may be Vandy, this is an SEC game. It is going to be tough for the Rebs to walk out of Nashville with a win, however it can be done.

A few notes from UMAA are below, but I am interested on everyone's thoughts on the game, because I really don't know how to pick it.

• SERIES INFO: This game will be the 82nd meeting between Ole Miss and Vanderbilt dating back to 1894. The Rebels lead the series 46-33-2 and have won 12 of the last 14 meetings since 1992, including last year’s 17-10 victory in Oxford. The Commodores hold a 25-20-2 lead in games played in Nashville, although the Rebels have won five of the last six meetings at Vanderbilt Stadium.

• SERIES INFO: This game will be the 82nd meeting between Ole Miss and Vanderbilt dating back to 1894. The Rebels lead the series 46-33-2 and have won 12 of the last 14 meetings since 1992, including last year’s 17-10 victory in Oxford. The Commodores hold a 25-20-2 lead in games played in Nashville, although the Rebels have won five of the last six meetings at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Dores took the last meeting in Nashville, 31-23 in 2005

• VANDERBILT SCOUTING REPORT: After beginning the year with a 41-17 route of Richmond, Vanderbilt opened SEC play last Saturday with a 24-10 setback to Alabama. The Commodores first four games of the season are in Nashville. The VU offense is averaging 339.0 yards per game, including 229.5 through the air. Junior QB Chris Nickson is leading the attack again this year, completing 24 of 44 passes for 351 yards and four TDs with one interception. Two-time All-SEC WR Earl Bennett is easily the primary target with 17 grabs for 275 yards and three scores. No other Commodore receiver has more than three catches. Handling the rushing load is junior Jeff Jennings and senior Cassen Jackson-Garrison. Jennings has 20 rushes for 99 yards and a TD, while Jackson-Garrison has picked up 50 yards on 13 carries. The Commodore defense is allowing 185.0 yards on the ground and 155.5 in the passing game. Sophomore DB D.J. Moore is tied for the SEC lead in tackles at 12.0 per game and averages 11.5 solos with two pass break-ups and an interception. Junior LB Jonathan Goff was a second team All-SEC pick last year and boasts 16 total tackles and an interception this season. DEs Curtis Gatewood and Steven Stone have each notched 10 stops and three TFLs. Junior K Bryant Hahnfeldt has connected on three of four field goals and all six PAT attempts.

Man, Doesn't This Look Like A Fun Time

"THE JUNCTION"

Curtis Down Again

Forgot to post this the other day. Saw Dwayne Curtis in the Grove on Saturday and he had another boot on his foot. This is the second season in a row that Curtis has injured his foot in the off season.

The good news is that Dwayne is evidently in the best shape he has been in since coming to Ole Miss and has slimmed up alot. Also good news is that his boot should be off before the start of fall practice and will be ready to go one the team gets together for full workouts.

Former Member of Provine Posse Cleared

(Clarion Ledger)A misdemeanor drug possession charge against Houston Rockets forward Justin Reed was dropped today.

Narcotics officers with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department arrested Reed on the night of Sept. 4 outside a house on Chennault Avenue. Two others, Torey Ross and Christopher Barber, were also arrested.

Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said Reed was cleared because “there were affidavits signed by the others arrested that it was their dope.”

Reed’s attorney, Dale Danks Jr., said Ross and Barber were classmates of Reed from Provine High School.

“(Reed) was in town visiting with old high school buddies. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Danks said. “Justin does not use marijuana. He does not use drugs.”

According to his lawyer, Reed underwent random drug testing while he played for Ole Miss and at least 16 times during his four years in the NBA.

“He has never, to our knowledge, tested positive. We had a drug test administered after the arrest, and he did not test positive,” Danks said. “I have to compliment the sheriff, frankly, for dismissing the charges.”

Dave Attacks

The Rebels have been picked up for the Lincoln Financial game next week against Florida with the 11:30 kick off time. There is nothing worse in college football, besides attending a Gardner Webb game, than having to wake up at the crack of dawn to get everything ready and to the game in time by 11:00. This means that the fans will still be asleep in the stadium when kickoff starts and only 1/3 of the students will be in attendance at kick-off.

I do not know who has first choice ESPN or LFS, but ESPN2 has Arkansas and Kentucky scheduled for the early evening game this weekend. I can't imagine that game drawing more attention than a Florida game. I long for the day the SEC gets rid of this bushleauge contract with Lincoln Financial.

The Spread Dominates Again

The spread offense caused problems for the Ole Miss defense for the second weekend in a row as the Rebels lost to Missouri 38-25 last night. The funny thing is this was the Rebels best offensive performance in probably four years as they put up over 500 yards total offense. Both Ben Jarvus Green Ellis and Seth Adamas had good days for the Rebels. Adams had a shaky first half but responded well in the second half. BJGE had a good day all around as he racked up 226 yards for the Rebs. Another career day was had by the Mizzou QB who threw for 396 yards and five touchdowns.

I will continue my vent over Terrell Jackson that I expressed to many of you last night. Terrell was beat on every single play that was thrown to him. I know at least four of the five touchdowns that were completed by Mizzou were thrown to Jackson's man. They obviously figured out where the weakest link was on our team and threw it that way every time. I understand we have very little depth at DB. But how many times are we going to let the opposing team throw at Terrell Jackson before we take him out. I just hope #5 finds his game(which I doubt will ever happen) or we find a replacement for him. I pray for the latter.

As far as the rest of the defense goes, I was a disappointed. They really seemed to have it together for the most part last week and a couple of guys stepped up to make big plays. There was none of that this week. I know the injury to Jonathan Cornell hurt, but we were playing guys I have never heard of before out there and had to get a program to look up who was playing. Ole Miss is extremely weak at linebacker. When the Rebs go up against a spread offense, we can not play Chris Strong, because he is to overweight to play linebacker and cover any one downfield. The bad news is both Vandy and Florida run a spread offense. I hope the defensive minds of Orgeron and Thompson can find someway to stop the madness.

The offense has already been addressed. We had the greatest offensive performance in quiet sometime. The 68 yard pass to Mike Wallace was impressive for Adams and definitely the biggest play in the two games he has started. If he can continue to play like he has the past two games, we will be ok on the offensive side of the ball.

The reason we beat Memphis was because we scored two touchdowns that were not offensive. The special teams unit and defense both scored against Memphis State. As I stated last week, the only way the Rebels are going to win big games this year is if they get breaks and score in non-traditional ways.

Once again our athletic department was a laughing stock. One of the big things they have been building up this summer were the new ribbon boards inside the stadium. It was mentioned they would bring excitement to the stadium based on things they could create on the boards. Oh Well. Only 1 section of the boards in the entire stadium worked, and barely at that. I swear we can screw anything up.

The Vandy Dores are the opponent next weekend. This is always a game Vandy thinks they can win and defeated the Rebels last time in Nashville. This will probably be a close game as Vandy is a decent team and has improved alot in the Bobby Johnson years. The game will be on pay per view and I believe is a 6:00 kickoff.

Mizzou

Could be a pretty good game this week. I expect to see some different things from the OM staff this week, you never know what they have up their sleeve. I have stated before this Missouri team has as much talent as alot of teams in the SEC. Look for this to be an exciting game for the Rebels. If the defense plays like it did last week, it could really be special. I can imagine it was not a fun week for the O-Line as I am sure Coach Kehoe gave it to them after a sub par performance last week.

I am hearing that Ted Laurent, who was previously witheld from practice by the NCAA, will see the field this week. Laurent will provide depth at the DT position where it is needed and could have been used last week.


I hope we have a good crowd. With a 5:00 kickoff, there is no excuse not to be there. I guess the real question is how the alcohol issues will be enforced in the Grove. I am sure some red neck Water Valley or Batesville cop, who is employed by UPD on game day, will be pouring out alcohol of 50 year old fans and the whole fan base will be in an uproar on Monday morning. We all know this school makes stupid mistakes when it comes to its rules and I can see the new alcohol policy causing alot of problems in the Grove.

NCAA Says No to Powe.....Again

The NCAA has once again ruled Jerrell Powe ineligible to play football as his appeal was denied today. The rumor tonight is that Powe is going to stay at Ole Miss on athletic scholarship and attend class this year. Whether this will happen or not, I do not know. All I can say is this guy has not gone down without a fight. I personally think he is getting messed over by the NCAA. They either should approve him to play or not. None of this he can go to school, but he can not play mess.

Some have rumored the Ole Miss administration has not pulled out all the stops on this case and have not used all the resources that people have offered to them. Whether that is true or not, I have no idea. If someone in the Lyceum has refused to use lawyers or specialist in learning disabilities in the appeal, they need to be removed from their position. I don't know if a lawsuit is coming or not but if it is I hope the truth will come public about the actions of UofM officials.

Here is the NCAA release:

INDIANAPOLIS --- Two separate NCAA committees -- the NCAA Student Records Review Committee and the NCAA Initial Eligibility Waiver Learning Disability Subcommittee, comprised of representatives from NCAA member schools and high school educators from across the country -- today upheld the NCAA staff decisions regarding Jerrell Powe. As a result of these appeals decisions, Mr. Powe will be allowed to receive athletically related financial aid to attend classes at the University of Mississippi. However, he will be ineligible for practice and football competition until meeting NCAA and institutional academic requirements in college. The earliest Mr. Powe could participate is fall 2008.


Based on his academic history and even after receiving all the accommodations and protections available to individuals with disabilities, Mr. Powe has not demonstrated that he can succeed academically during his first year of collegiate enrollment while also practicing and competing in athletics. NCAA staff and the appellate bodies expressed concern that Mr. Powe had completed a significant amount of coursework in an unusually limited amount of time – much shorter than the average time it takes students to complete similar courses. In order to grant the waiver and appeal, the staff and membership committees were asked to accept that an individual who previously completed just 7 core courses out of a required 14 in his first five years of high school had subsequently completed 14.5 core courses at three different schools concurrently over a four-month period. The average number of courses a student completes in a year is four.


For these reasons, the NCAA decided it is in the best interest of Mr. Powe to focus on his education and give him the opportunity to improve his academic standing during his first year of college. It is the belief of the NCAA that success in the classroom, not on the playing field, is the most important focus for all student-athletes, including Mr. Powe. This is consistent with decisions regarding other student-athletes that withhold them from practice and participation to provide time for them to improve their academic standing during the first year of college.


While there are many parties involved with this matter that profess to have Mr. Powe’s best interest at heart, the decision to allow Mr. Powe to receive full financial aid will give him the opportunity to focus on the most important challenge for any student-athlete – getting an education.

Former Reb Arrested

(C-L)Houston Rockets forward Justin Reed has been charged with marijuana possession following a joint operation between Hinds County and Jackson narcotics officers.

Reed, 25, was arrested by the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department late Tuesday in the front yard of a house on Chennault Avenue.

Reed posted a $500 bond and was released around 3 a.m. today.

Capt. Ken Magee said deputies likely were following up on a report of drug activity when they went to the house.

“It was a known drug location. He (Reed) was approached and found to have a small bag of marijuana in his hand,” Magee said. The amount was less than an ounce.

Two others were arrested at that house by Jackson Police Department narcotics officers. Their names were not immediately available.

Reed, a former standout at Provide High School and Ole Miss, left the Hinds County Detention Center early today after being booked.

Powe Update

Here is the Powe update from the Clarion Ledger Beat Writer Website:

I just got off the phone with Don Jackson this morning and have a couple newsworthy bits:

• First, he believes the NCAA committees will be hearing Jerrell Powe's appeals on Thursday. Jackson said he sees no reason why there won't be a decision that day if the committees do meet. He believes the decisions will be favorable for Powe.

• Second, he has requested that Powe is allowed to present his case as part of their hearing. He said it would then be a "formal hearing" with both sides of the appeal presented. If that happens, Powe would have to speak to them via teleconference. That's the way the committees meet since members are spread out around the country.(Robbie Neiswanger)

SEC Defensive Player of the Week

(UMAA)BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After helping Ole Miss to a season-opening win at Memphis, Dustin Mouzon was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week Monday, as announced by the league office.



A junior from Orlando, Mouzon recorded two interceptions on Saturday and returned the second 99 yards for his first career touchdown. It was the longest return by a Rebel since 1962 and tied for the third-longest in school history. He is the first Ole Miss player with two picks in the same game since 1992.



Mouzon also collected a career-high six solo tackles and recovered a fumble on the Tigers’ nine-yard line.

Back From Memphis

Just got back in from a long weekend in Memphis. The game was not the prettiest the Rebels have ever played, but I will take a W. I felt like the Rebels played a good first half. They scored on offense, defense, and special teams. At the end of the first half I felt like the Rebels were going to run away with it. But deep down in my Rebel heart you, I knew that would not happen. The second half was pretty bad for the Rebels turnovers killed them to start the half and the offense could not really put anything together. All in all a win is a win and that is the way we had to start the season.

On the offense, I though Seth Adams had a decent day for what was expected from him. It could have been alot worse. On the first couple of drives, he hit pretty much everything that he threw. The second half did not seem to be as sharp, but that was not all his falt. I was not as impressed with the O line. The O line has been built up as the main strength of the football team, but they were not really able to get it together for a run offense. Ben Jarvus had seventy something yards and did not seem to be that much of a factor in the game. I wish we would have given it to him late in the game in the red zone instead the Rebels elected to pass.

The defense was impressive to me for the most part. They made plays happen which is what this Rebel team needs if they are going to win games. Greg Hardy is a beast we all knew that coming into the season and I look forward to more of him this year. Dustin Mouzzon had an outstanding game, one of the best our defensive backs have played in a long long time. Mouzzon returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown to end the first half. Ashlee Palmer a juco transfer from California was all over the field for the Rebels and was a huge part of this game as he led the Rebels in tackles. Palmer is going to be a big addition to this team. The interior d line needs some more depth. After a couple of players got hurt, we were pushed off the ball and did not seem to get any rush at all. It should help a little now that Ted Laurent is cleared and will be able to practice all this week, but expect a couple of more weeks before he has a big impact.

On special teams, what in the world happened to Joshua Shene? Last year this guy has all but automatic. In the Memphis State game, he missed a PAT and had a field goal come up short after being partially tipped at the line. Hope he was sick or something. Glad to see the punt return team block a punt for a TD. This always fires up the team and the crowd.

There is no reason this game should be played at 2:30 in the afternoon the first weekend in September. It is just too hot. This game should never be moved for CSS tv, the game after the UM-Memphis game was Furman. Give me a break. If this bush league station wants to broadcast our games they should do it on our terms whenever we want to play. I hope Coach O will speak up to Pete Boone and RC Johnson next year and refuse to play this game in the afternoon just to be on CSS tv. The heat took alot out of our team, and it seemed that Memphis was in a little bit better shape. Although it probably did have to do alot with the fact our defense was on the field a whole heck of alot in the second half.

Next weekend is going to be tough. Missouri is a good team and will be favored coming into the game. They will run a spread offense much like Memphis State. I expect a good crowd in Oxford. Although this is not an SEC matchup, Mizzou will be full of talent and will stack up against alot of the SEC teams that will come to Oxford.

Ole Miss Rejects?

I watched the LSU-Mississippi State game last Thursday in a bar and therefore was not able to hear the sounds of the game and what the commentators had to say.

Can anyone that was in attendance or that was watching on tv confirm or deny that the LSU fans were shouting "Ole Miss Rejects" to the MSU fans late in the game?

If so that is hilarious.