Well what can I say, it was a heck of a senior year. From that scorchin' opening Saturday to a historic finish in the Big Easy, I could not have asked for a better way to end my journey in Oxford. Graduation is less that four weeks away, and the real world is right out front. Sure, there were times during the season I dropped the ball on my weekly posts, but hey, school work and stuff. So, strictly for my sentimental purposes (Y'all can look back if ya want), I present a page for the 2015 season and the experiences that came with it.
Ole Miss vs. UT Martin Uniform Review ~ 2015
During the 76-3 beatdown of UT Martin, the Rebels came out sporting a new white pants option with their familiar home red jersey. The new pants from Nike featured a striping pattern similar to the one that can be found on the shoulders of all of the Ole Miss jerseys.
@OleMissFB
Below, the new pants can be seen in game action as Jaylen Walton scampers into the end zone for one of the Rebels many scores of the day. The pants looked very good in person, and from what I could tell they were well liked by the Ole Miss fan base.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Another subtle, yet welcome change to the jersey is the coloring of the "SEC" patch.
Previously on all jerseys the patch was navy blue, making it stand out on a red jersey with no navy blue anywhere else in the design. (As pictured above.)
This year, the navy blue patch has been replaced on the red jersey with a coordinating red patch. (As seen below.)
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The UT Martin Skyhawks sported their all white uniform options from Russell, that look strangely like the Auburn Tigers football uniforms, but maybe that's just me. The Skyhawks uniforms can be seen below.
The Rebels host Fresno State next at home in Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium on September 12th. Be sure to wear your navy blue. See y'all in The Grove!
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
Ole Miss vs. Fresno State Uniform Preview ~ 2015
With the work week/school week coming to a close, it's time to take a peek at the matchup between the home standing Rebels (1-0) and the Bulldogs of Fresno State (1-0). The Bulldogs are coming off of a week one win over Abilene Christian by a score of 34-13, where their offensive line got off to a sluggish start. This won't bode well if they start out the same way in Oxford against one of the Southeastern Conference's most vaunting defensive units. Losing Isaac Gross for the season to a neck injury is a tough blow, so expect to see some different packages across the defensive front as the coaches try to establish some more depth for the conference play gauntlet that is quickly looming. That being said, if the offensive line for Fresno State isn't in sync when they line up opposite of Robert Nkemdiche and company, everyone in the stadium will know it pretty quick. On the opposite side of the ball, you can bet on star receiver Laquon Treadwell to continue to improve as he tries to break the end zone (and most likely will, multiple times) for the first time since breaking his fibula against Auburn last season. The Ole Miss Quarterback Trio will likely try to get the competition going again, but expect Chad Kelly to further distance himself from the pack as he takes the reigns of the offense. At this point, it's his spot to lose, and the Rebels will have some serious problems if he does. Also, expect a huge dose of running attack as Hugh Freeze tries to get some sort of ground game put together and gain some cohesion along the offensive line (still unknown as far as when Laremy Tunsil will be able to play.) before the Rebels have to travel to Tuscaloosa next week for a showdown with the Crimson Tide.
It's a navy blue game in Vaught-Hemmingway stadium, so expect the Rebels to follow suit in their standard navy blue home jerseys. We could see some variation in the pants with the possibility of navy blue pants, white pants like we saw in the UT Martin game, only with navy blue stripes replacing the red ones, or the primary (and best looking, in my opinion.) gray britches. I'm going with the grays, and the Rebs for the win.
Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com
Where at?: Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Playing Surface: Artificial Field Turf
Gametime: 2:30 pm CT on ESPN2
"Why It's Okay to Start Sipping a Little Kool-Aid" ~ The Essay
As the sun rose early Saturday morning, and the cool morning temperatures began to heat up, there was a new presence in the air. An excitement was culminating, about to overflow. Long ago are the memories of an upset win over perennial power Alabama, a visit from College Gameday, a miraculous and dominating Egg Bowl victory, and a complete and utter dismantling in the Peach Bowl. A new chapter is getting ready to be written, a chance at redemption, and a sense of trying to finish what had been started the previous season. College Football season was back, and the opening Saturday for the Ole Miss Rebels was finally here.
I step out of my bedroom doorway into the homey, three bedroom town house in Magnolia Grove. It's 6 AM, and as I walk towards the couch, I see the front door already open. The cool Oxford breeze flows in and fills my nostrils. It smells like football season. Suddenly, my ear drums are met with the blaring sound of speakers, chills shoot down my spine and I'm not sure if it's from the music or the sudden jolt of sound so early in the morning. It quickly turns into excitement as my roommates, already dressed and drinking, rush through the door singing. “Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land!” I quickly get dressed in my finest Grove attire, now amped about the possibility of the first game day and jump into the car. Then it occurs to me. “This could be our year.” I say to Meghan, my girlfriend, as I slide in the back seat next to her. She quietly adjust her “AOΠ loves our Rebs!” button onto her dress. “You think so!” She says as she smiles back at me. That's when I got to thinking. There is so much going for this Rebels team, and this once half hopeful/half joking saying could actually hold some weight.
Returning seven starters from the nation's top defense, statistically, as well as nine starters on offense, including both defensive and offensive lines, respectfully, is a huge positive. Not to mention, the core of this football team is composed of the highly touted, and now seasoned veteran, recruiting class of 2013. Laquon Treadwell and Evan Engram lining up at receiver and tight end, Laremy Tunsil on the offensive line, Tony Connor in the secondary, and the nation's number one prospect, Robert Nkemdiche, leading the charge in the trenches are what football coaches dream of. All number one players at their respective positions, all assuming leadership roles on their football team. But, just as all teams have, there are some question marks that can keep even the most optimistic fan from getting to ahead of themselves. The biggest happens to be arguably the most important. Who is going to take control under center at the quarterback position? Being the football obsessed and aspiring coach that I am, I had been trying to attack this question all summer. I knew that the once Clemson star recruit turned junior college transfer, Chad Kelly, had been brought to Ole Miss for one reason, and that was to be the signal caller for the Rebels. But Hugh Freeze had come out and said after spring training that sophomore Ryan Buchanan was in the lead for the job. So at the time, I did as much digging as I could. I won't give away my source, but he only had one thing to say every time I could ask. “Chad Kelly is everything he is supposed to be.” is the only answer he would give me. From then on I need not ask again, I knew. That is why when I came to my EDSE 400 class a few months later and the professor let us know she heard that someone named “Machine Gun Kelly” was going to be our starting quarterback, I sat back contently and smiled. Even though I knew who our quarterback would be, there was still the concern of just how good he would be, and that question was about to be answered.
We walked briskly from the Grove to Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium and found our seats in the middle of the student section. It was scorching hot, and we were drenched in sweat, but the excitement of a new football season was too overwhelming for anyone to care. Soon it was time for the Rebels to take their first offensive snap, and everyone was watching intently thinking their questions were soon to be answered. What proceeded were a couple of good but not overly great offensive snaps, followed by an errant snap over Chad Kelly's head, leading to a punt on the first series of the 2015 season. I thought to myself how I had liked what I had seen so far, but I was not overly impressed. This would be a problem since the opponent on the field was light years away from the talent level Ole Miss would find itself playing in the SEC later in the season. So, I sat back and said, “Looks like we may start out where we left off last year.” Boy was I about to be proven wrong. seventy-six points and an overpowering defensive performance later, I found myself in shock and awe. Chad Kelly had all but cemented himself into the starting role and lived up to the hype, compiling 211 passing yards in just 9 completions, and accounting for 3 touchdowns, 2 through the air and one on the ground. One telling throw that comes to mind is an effortlessly thrown touch pass on a route up the seam where he hit receiver Quincy Adeboyejo in the end zone for an uncontested touchdown early in the first half. The defense matched the offensive performance, losing no ground from last year's juggernaut, giving up only 3 points in mop up duty, and looking every bit the part of championship caliber defense. The bottom line is, I don't care who the team is they were playing. In division one football, to make plays look effortless takes a lot of talent, and the Rebels showed they were lacking none of that.
Some people outside of the program may still be timid to believe in this Ole Miss football team because of the weak opponent they beat last Saturday, but to them I say think about this. It was not too long ago that the same quality opponent that the Rebels just dismantled came into Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium and beat Ole Miss. Hugh Freeze has brought this football program miles since that day, and Ole Miss beat UT Martin like a championship team should beat UT Martin. I know it's very early in the season, but everything is seemingly falling into place. The coaching is there, and the leadership is there. The Rebels can match up with any team in the country from a talent standpoint. So to all the Rebel faithful out there, it's okay to start sipping the red Kool-Aid. This team is for real. Give it one more week, then after they give Fresno State the same treatment they gave to UT Martin, fill the cups up to the brim and drink them all the way down highway 82 into Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Rebels are poised to make a run, and the final destination is the College Football Playoff. Then again, it is only the first week of the season. Maybe I should lay off of the Kool-Aid for a few more weeks, huh?
This essay was written as a creative writing assignment in one of my education classes at The University of Mississippi.
- Hunter Jones
***Ole Miss vs. Fresno State Threads Announcement***
The Ole Miss Football official Twitter account let us know that the Rebs will be coming out in the Navy monochrome uniforms this Saturday (9/12/15) against Fresno State. Earlier in the week I predicted they would wear their gray pants, but we are just havin' fun here. I'll take my "L" as long as the Rebs don't.
See y'all Saturday.
Hey Rebs! Go Gold!
If y'all didn't know, September is officially Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the official color is gold. I know what you're saying, we already go pink for breast cancer awareness and that's wonderful too, but I would like to just throw some information your way, dear reader. Each year, about 15,700 loving parents will hear the words "your child has cancer." I'll let that one sink in for a minute...
That is a huge blow to a family, not only emotionally, but financially. The average cost of a stay in the hospital for a child with cancer is about $40,000 per stay. Let that one sink in. To add to that burden, ALL types of childhood cancer COMBINED receive only 4% of the U.S. Federal Funding for cancer research. (National Cancer Institute) So basically we are putting only 4% of the $5.067 billion in government funding that goes to cancer research. Only 4% invested into the children, our future. "Why does this affect me?" You might be saying, and it may not. But let me tell you how it has affected me.
I would like everyone to meet my amazing little friend Brylie.
Brylie was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in 2014, and has been kicking cancers butt & stealing people's hearts (including mine), ever since. Throughout getting to know Brylie, she has shown me what true strength is, and really been an inspiration to me, as well as countless others. During my visits to Georgia, I can personally attest to witnessing her jump, play, run, smile and live like any little girl would. Even while locked into battle with such a terrible disease, she was as happy and wonderful as could be, and nothing could bring her down, except maybe telling her she would have to choose between Luke Bryan and yours truly on who she was going to marry one day. That kind of courage and strength is something I can only strive to have. On Friday, September 4th, Brylie finished what is hopefully her last chemo treatment. Though the scans have shown no evidence of the disease, she will have to go back for regular scans and heart checks because the tumor was located so close to her heart that the radiation could have done some damage. The Lord is SO good, and Brylie and her WINNING fight are living proof.
You can learn more about Brylie and her fight at https://www.facebook.com/Brylies-Journey-608304932611222/timeline/
So how 'bout it Rebel Nation? Let's GO GOLD for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! I think 'Quon would approve!
Go Gold, and Go Rebs!
Ole Miss vs. Fresno State Uniform Review ~ 2015
Another Saturday is in the books, and while Auburn was busy in over-time with Jacksonville State, and Arkansas was losing to Toledo, the Rebels offense seems to be clicking on all cylinders, scoring 70 plus points for the second time in consecutive weeks. The uniforms looked good, too.
@OleMissFB
The all navy blue set seems to have become a favorite for head coach Hugh Freeze, the mastermind behind all game day combinations. Although I'm indifferent about the navy blue pants because of the "REBELS" word mark running up the side. Seems a little high schoolish and generic to me, but what do I know? Here's how they looked in action:
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Chad Kelly approves, having the best first quarter of his life in the all navy blue, completing 20 of 25 pass attempts for 346 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air. He also had another touchdown on the ground.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Cody Core showing everyone how he fits into the receiving pecking order.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Laquon showing everyone that, well, he's still Laquon.
Meanwhile, the Fresno State uniforms were an all white, cookie cutter, copy and paste of the school colors into, generic template, modge podge.
AP Photo/Thomas Graning
Yes, why that is the old Miami Hurricanes font. Glad I'm not the only one who noticed. Did I mention that I'm not a fan of the chrome helmets either?
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The Rebels go on the road for the first time, traveling to Tuscaloosa for a showdown with Alabama. We should finally get a good gauge on where this team is, because if you ask around the other fan bases, they have only "played and beat nobody" (like everyone else) so far. Expect a good matchup on the field and in the aesthetics as two old SEC rivals open up conference play. College Gameday will be there, and so will I. See y'all in T-Town!
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
"A New Normal" ~ The Essay
In honor of Alabama game week:
On a cool and windy morning in Loganville, Georgia, this story begins. The date is February 6, 2013. Hugh Freeze, the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels football team, sits in the war room deep inside the football facility on campus. His first football team at the University had just finished the season 7-6 with a resounding win over arch in-state rival Mississippi State and a bowl victory over Pittsburgh, a far cry from where he inherited the program less than a year earlier. The Rebels had just finished one of the worst seasons in college football, losing all but two of their games and firing the previous head coach. Coach Freeze knew that it would be a tough rebuild in Oxford, and that it would take time, but it would pay off in the end. One of those first big victories in the direction of that goal was about to take place. The nation's number one football recruit, Robert Nkemdiche out of Grayson High School, was about to commit to Freeze and the Rebels, and as he donned his red Ole Miss signing cap in front of the nation, he was also bringing star studded talent with him. He and his recruiting classmates, composed of top recruits at each of their positions, had come together and decided they were going to go against the grain, and set a new example. They were going to join forces and resurrect an old power in college football, and together they bought into Freeze's vision of a new normal at the University of Mississippi. It wouldn't be until almost two years later that it would be evident to the rest of the college football world, but as Hugh Freeze sat in that recruiting war room on National Signing Day 2013, he knew he was setting a new chapter into motion, and the power was beginning to shift.
It's a crisp Saturday morning in Oxford, Mississippi. The scent of oak and bourbon can be smelled circulating between the trees as the cool breeze weaves in and out of multicolored red and blue tents. The Grove, a small sanctuary of green in the middle of campus at the University of Mississippi, is already buzzing with people. ESPN's renowned college football pregame show is in town to make its first appearance to what has been called the sport's partying mecca, the Holy Grail of Tailgating. Top ranked and undefeated Alabama, the sport's most dominant team of the last decade, is in Oxford for a showdown with the Rebels. Ole Miss, to this point, has not so quietly strung together an undefeated record of its own, riding the power of a suffocating defense and star studded sophomore talent from that 2013 recruiting class. Today, Mississippi is the center of the college football world. The feeling around this Ole Miss team is that the Rebels have finally arrived, but no one will say it yet. Not at least until they can prove it. Not until it can be done on the sport's biggest stage. With the entire nation tuned in to Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium, Ole Miss would have its opportunity. The Rebels won't have arrived until they take the next step. Not until they can knock off Alabama. As game time approaches, inside the stadium the atmosphere is nothing short of electric. The energy is reaching fever pitch levels as kickoff approaches. The game lives up to the hype, and Ole Miss is holding its own in this heavyweight fight, each team going blow for blow. After finding themselves down late into the second half, the momentum begins to shift. Senior quarterback Bo Wallace finds the highly touted recruit, Laquon Treadwell, with a pass near the 5 yard line. From there, it's all Treadwell. He outmuscles two defenders and scampers into the end zone, 17-10, but still Alabama leads. The teams trade possession back and forth, neither giving the other an inch. It's third down and long, 5:35 left to play in the game. Bo takes the snap and drops back. As the pocket collapses around him, he manages to just get the ball out. The crowd watches the ball as it whistles down the field. Senior receiver Vince Sanders has managed to get behind the coverage as the ball is whistling in his direction. The entire crowd collectively holds its breath, Sanders stretches with everything he has, his finger tips managing to just graze the back end of the football. For a split second, the entire stadium is eerily silent. Then, eruption. The crowd roars, deafening, as he hauls the ball into his chest, flipping from his momentum into the navy blue, “REBELS” scripted end zone. Tie ball game.
As the teams line up for the ensuing kickoff, the stadium has only amped up the energy level. Alabama return man Christion Jones waits to take the kick down the field, and Ole Miss' defining moment is about to present itself. Jones weaves around a would be tackle, only to have another spin him violently towards the turf. The ball is out. There is a massive pile, every player aggressively fighting with so much at stake. After seconds of disbelief and tension, the referee points towards the student section. Ole Miss' football, and the crowd roars again. The ensuing drive presses on, the clock ticking down as Rebel running back Jaylen Walton sneaks out of the backfield and wheels toward the
corner pylon of the end zone. He looks back, and the ball is already on the way, landing comfortably against his left shoulder pad over the top of Alabama All-American safety Landon Collins' helmet. Defenseless against the perfectly executed throw, Collins can only watch in disbelief as Walton plants two feet in the end zone and slides on his back into the photographers. Stadium cups full of whiskey and coke fly into the air. Ole Miss leads 23-17, 2:54 left to play.
Joe Murphy/Getty Images
The Rebels lined up for the point after attempt, everyone in the stadium was thinking the same thing, silently, as if hoping to prevent it. The snap, the kick, and the ball dings off of the right upright, but there is a flag. Roughing the kicker, against Alabama. Crisis averted, and the crowd breathes a sigh of relief. They line up again, the snap, the kick, blocked. What everyone was dreading seems to be unfolding in front of their very eyes. As is common to the Ole Miss faithful, it is a well known fact that the Rebels have an annoying knack of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. So much so to the point of an acronym being created in mockery of it, “W.A.O.M.” or “We Are Ole Miss,” to be said when the Rebels find a way to lose even when victory is certain. It was at this point of the game that everyone watching began to believe that Ole Miss was going to “Ole Miss” this game away, too. As the clock wound down under a minute and the Crimson Tide methodically drove down the field, everyone could feel it coming. Until the Alabama senior quarterback dropped back to throw on second down from the Ole Miss 32 yard line. He lofted the ball down field into the end zone towards his 6 foot 6 inch teammate who was draped by the Rebels 5 foot 9 inch, undersized and underestimated senior cornerback Senquez Golson. Both players went up into the air, and one came down with the ball.
Bill Barksdale/The Clarion-Ledger
Golson crashed his foot down to the turf, defiantly waving his prize and pointing toward the video board. The referee's have called him out of bounds, but he adamantly disagrees. The play is under further review. The outcome of the game will be decided with this call. Everyone is silent. Could Ole Miss have finally done the impossible? Have they surpassed the “W.A.O.M.” curse and done what seemed impossible? Could the Rebels have finally arrived into relevancy again in the college football landscape, and beat Alabama? “The ruling on the field is that the ball was intercepted. The defender...” The referee begins to explain, but no one can hear what he is saying. Absolute euphoria pulsates throughout the stadium as Bo takes a knee, tucking the game ball safely in his arms as the clock runs out. The Ole Miss fans pour onto the field and the Alabama fans file out. The Rebels have knocked off the best. They have sent a statement to the entire country. Ole Miss is back, and back to stay. All of the hard work, rebuilding of the program from nothing, outstanding coaching, and unbelievable recruiting has paid off. The axis of power in college football had shifted towards the Magnolia State. There is a new normal, and as long as Hugh Freeze is at the helm, there will be plenty more to come.
This essay was written as a creative writing assignment in one of my classes at The University of Mississippi.
-Hunter Jones
Ole Miss vs. Alabama Uniform Preview ~ 2015
Week three brings probably the most anticipated and toughest games on the entire Ole Miss schedule. The No. 15 Rebels (2-0) are traveling to Tuscaloosa to take on the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) to open up SEC play. Last years meeting was one for the ages as College Gameday was in the Grove for the first time ever, and on hand to witness Ole Miss' shocking upset of the top ranked Crimson Tide. That being said, it is important to note that Nick Saban (arguably the best coach in the game) does not lose revenge games. Nick Saban has also never lost a league home opener (8-0). College Gameday will be attending this game once again. Alabama is coming off of two out of conference wins, first beating then ranked No. 20 Wisconsin in Arlington, Texas, by a score of 35-17. Last week, the Crimson Tide came home for the first time to play Middle Tennessee, winning 37-10. The biggest story line for Alabama so far is much like Ole Miss, finding a quarterback. Right now, Senior QB Jacob Coker has started both games for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, but has been inconsistent at best. So expect dose upon dose of Derrick Henry, the punishing runner and Heisman hopeful, as well as Kenyan Drake, who is a threat to score every single time he touches the ball. It will be interesting to see how the Ole Miss front seven can hold up against Alabama's huge offensive line and willingness to pound Henry right into the teeth of the Rebel defense. On the other side, everyone has been buzzing about Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly, who threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns, while running in a fourth one, in a 73-21 home blowout against Fresno State. Ole Miss is currently the number one scoring offense in the NCAA, but Alabama is as big, strong, fast, and physical as they come on defense. Something will have to give. It is still not clear whether or not Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil will play Saturday or not, but the Rebels sure could use him to help protect Kelly if they want to get the same production in the passing game against Alabama's freakish pass rushers. Hugh Freeze is on the record saying that this Alabama front seven is "as talented as he's ever seen." If Ole Miss is to win this game, Kelly is going to have to be cool under pressure, because there will be pressure, and don't make the huge mistakes. It is going to take some explosive plays, and Ole Miss can not afford to miss these opportunities when they come. It is also vital that the Rebels can establish some sort of running game, because as good as Chad and the receivers are, a one-dimensional offense against a Nick Saban coached defense can become anemic VERY quickly. Ultimately, I think this game will come down to defense (shocker there), and quarterback play. This will be a defensive struggle, and whatever quarterback is able to make the big plays, and not the disastrous ones, will lead their team to a close victory. It's honestly too close to say, but Alabama is 25-1 in the all-time series when the game is played in Tuscaloosa. Talk about serious home field advantage.
As far as uniforms go, this one is going to be a beaut. We have two of the most classic and iconic looks in all of football matching up in one of the biggest games of the year. Alabama will look great, as always, in their Crimson helmets with white TV numbers on the side, a single white stripe down the middle, and gray face masks. They will be wearing their home Crimson jerseys with the white numerals, white pants with the double Crimson stripes.
Classic looks never go out of style.
Which is why Ole Miss needs to come out in their vintage iconic look, the gray pants. (Can you tell those are my favorite?) It's a white game, so we know the Rebels are wearing their road white jersey. Last time time Ole Miss was in T-Town, they trotted out in this:
The white with the red numbers and shoulder stripes on top of the gray pants. But this year, the program is encouraging all traveling fans to wear Navy Blue, so you can expect the team to follow the same dress code, hopefully in their white jerseys with the Navy Blue numbers and shoulder stripes.
Where at?: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Playing surface: Natural Grass
Gametime: 8:15 pm CT on ESPN
See y'all in T-Town
Ole Miss vs. Alabama ~ 2015 (Continued)
As most people know, everyone and their mama is picking Alabama to win this Saturday. The Tide opened as an 8.5 point favorite, and no one will go against Nick Saban at home in a "revenge" game, and really who could blame them? Alabama is a monster. They are the most dominant team in recruiting, coaching, and on the field, over the past 10 years or so. They have NFL talent at every position, two or three players deep into the depth chart. They have (arguably) the best coach, and defensive minds in the game. This is going to be an uphill battle for the Rebs. But that doesn't mean it can't be done. So on that note, I just wanted to leave a little quote to think about as Ole Miss goes into Bryant-Denny Stadium to try and do what only one Rebel team has ever done in Tuscaloosa, win.
"Here's the thing that makes life so interesting: The Theory of Evolution claims that "only the strong shall survive." Maybe so, maybe so. But the Theory of Competition says "just because they're the strong doesn't mean they can't get their asses kicked." That's right.
See, what every long-shot, come-from-behind underdog will tell you is this: The other guy may in fact be the favorite; the odds may be stacked against you. Fair enough ...
But what the odds don't know is this isn't a math test. This is a completely different kind of test. One where passion has a funny way of trumping logic. So before you step up to the starting line, before the whistle blows and the clock starts ticking, just remember: out here, the results don't always add up.
No matter what the stats may say and the experts may think and the commentators may have predicted, when the race is on, all bets are off. Don't be surprised if someone decides to flip the script and take a pass on yelling "uncle". And then suddenly, as the old saying goes, "We got ourselves a game."
Are You Ready?
***Ole Miss vs. Alabama Threads Announcement***
BREAKING
Ole Miss has just announced via their football Twitter account (@OleMissFB) that the Rebels will don the Powder Blue helmets tomorrow as they take on Alabama.
The entire uniform combination will look like this from helmet to pants: Powder Blue/White with Red numerals/Grey.
So just replace the navy helmet with the powder blue from above, and there you have it.
This is also the same uniform combination that Ole Miss sported the last time they won in Tuscaloosa back in 1988.
This is going to be an awesome looking game.
Side note: This will make TWO straight games with the Powder Blue helmets, as the Rebs are slated to wear them next week at home against Vanderbilt.
Ole Miss vs. Alabama Uniform Review ~ 2015
Oh man... Oh man, oh man... What a match-up, what an atmosphere, what a game. Saturday night, in what I can personally say is one of the most hostile environments I have ever seen, the Ole Miss Rebels went into Tuscaloosa and did what seemed impossible. Beat number two Alabama and Nick Saban at home, at night, in primetime, in a "revenge" game, and did it back to back. If there was any doubt about Chad Kelly and this football team, it should be no more. It couldn't have looked any better than it did from a uniform standpoint, either.
@OleMissFB
For the biggest game of the season so far, the Rebels pulled out one of their best, if not THE best, looks that they have. Powder Blue helmets over a white jersey and gray pants.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The last time this uniform combination made it's appearance in Tuscaloosa was also the last, and only time the Rebels won in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Second time's the charm, because Ole Miss went out and hit Alabama right in the mouth from the get-go, never trailing in the game, and accumulating a 30-17 lead going into the 4th quarter. But like all good teams, they don't go down without a fight. Alabama climbed back into the game, only to have the Landshark Defense take a stand once again, stopping the Tide short on 4th down to win the game, 43-37.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Let's go ahead and get one thing straight, this was no fluke. Yes, Ole Miss is a National Championship Contender.
But, it is a long season. Beating Alabama does not guarantee anything, but with games against Texas A&M and LSU in Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium, and a slightly less daunting road schedule, Ole Miss just planted itself firmly in the drivers seat of the SEC West. The Ole Miss defense played gritty and downright nasty, showing that it is once again one of the elite. They did give up 503 yards to Alabama, but that will most likely be their worst show of year, and in the toughest, most hostile place you will see them play all year.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Robert Nkemdiche is a beast. Last night, he looked like a man playing against pee-wee players out there, man-handling Alabama's offensive line. But he is not alone, this defense is as talented, fast, and as deep as they come. Hugh Freeze and his coaching staff have recruited and put together a monster in Oxford.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Chad Kelly is more than exceptional at QB, and the weapons he has at his disposal are second to no one. He finished 18 of 33, throwing for 341 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added another on the ground. (Sound familiar?)
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Laquon Treadwell got back on into the swing of things, scoring his first touchdown of the season as he made Alabama defenders look like high school defensive backs.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The running game still isn't great, but it is vastly improved from a year ago, and last night it was good enough.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Ole Miss is for real, and the rest of the West, heck the country, better look out. Machine Gun Kelly and the Rebs have their sights set on Atlanta, and they have the talent to get there.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Ole Miss, who moved up to number 3 in the AP Poll (tied with TCU), comes back home for their conference home opener against Vanderbilt. Expect a good looking game from the Rebs, both on the field and in the uniforms. The Powder Blue's are set to make another appearance, and Vanderbilt seems to be vastly overmatched in this one. See y'all in the Grove.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
"Back To Back" ~ The Essay
It was a long and visually dull drive across the hills of northern Mississippi into the state of Alabama, and as the Friday afternoon came to a close, I could not help but start to let the excitement slowly take me over. Having finally finished the school week after what seemed like an eternity of classes and homework, we were finally on our way. The Ole Miss Rebels were set for a road showdown with the then number two, and comfortably favored, University of Alabama football team. The Rebels were about to try and do what no other Ole Miss team had done before them, win back to back games over the Crimson Tide. To make things just a little more complicated, factor in that Ole Miss had previously only beaten the Tide once in Tuscaloosa since the rivalry's inception. On top of that, Alabama had only lost one game in what had become known across the country as the coach's signature “revenge” games during Nick Saban's tenure. The Crimson Tide had also never lost a conference opener at home since Saban took over the program. Needless to say, the odds were not in the Rebel's favor, but Hugh Freeze had put together a good team of his own. Now, in front of a hostile crowd for a primetime kickoff, it was time to find out just how good. There was plenty of reason to be excited. So, as we arrived in Birmingham, I ran inside, jumped in bed as soon as I could get my shoes off, and shut my eyes, hoping to fall asleep as soon as possible so that game day could finally be here.
As we drove into the Tuscaloosa city limits the next day, traffic was surprisingly not as bad as I had imagined it would be. Previous experiences of growing up an Alabama fan and going to games with my family made me all too familiar with the city's lackluster ability to try and hold a population of around 400,000 on game day. So, like the sucker for tradition that I am, I took Meghan to the mall for our pregame meal in the food court just as I had always done on game day in Tuscaloosa. Romantic, right? The only difference is, this time I was sporting my red and powder blue instead of my usual crimson and white. After eating my customary China Garden box and catching odd looks, which I am not sure were caused by the Ole Miss gear or the food, we hurried out to the car so we could get a jump on finding a parking spot near the stadium for a reasonable price.
We found a spot at Central High School, located four or five blocks south of Bryant-Denny Stadium's towering columns, so we parked and started the hike towards the Quad. Now, I knew what I was walking into, having been to Alabama games as a kid, but never had I found myself a stranger with no where in particular to go until now. I leaned over and commented to Meghan under my breath, “Now I think I know how other people feel when they come to the Grove.” For anyone who may not know, the Quad is the University of Alabama equivalent to the Grove, just a shoddier version. So we wandered around, returning an emphatic “Hotty Toddy!” to the occasional Ole Miss fan as they would randomly pass. Suddenly, I remembered the invitation we had received to come tailgate from our semi-employer, The Southern Shirt Company, that was founded and based in Tuscaloosa. I say semi-employer because Meghan and I represent the company as campus ambassadors for Ole Miss, so we headed to tent twenty in front of the Gorgas Library. When we arrived, we were met with amazing hospitality. Free drinks and food were continuously handed our way, as well as a seat in front of the TV to watch Auburn getting run over by LSU, which all of the Alabama faithful seemed to thoroughly enjoy. We met and talked to the founder, who is conveniently also from my hometown of Ocean Springs, and many of the other employees and family members. Everyone was just simply having a downright good time, poking fun at each other with the occasional “Roll Tide” or “Hotty Toddy.” A highly contested round of beer pong ensued until the hour we had all been waiting for finally arrived, game time.
Once in the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. I had been going to Alabama games all my life, but never had I seen Bryant-Denny rocking quite like this. I could feel it in the air. The pom-poms and stadium were shaking, “Dixie Land Delight” was blaring, and Alabama wanted revenge. I had the feeling all day that this was going to be a nail biter, but it was at that moment I knew it was going to be a battle until the bitter end. As the teams lined up for the opening kick off, the stadium had reached fever pitch. I could feel the stadium swaying underneath my feet. I could not even hear myself think. Suddenly, through the deafening of the crowd noise there was an even louder sound, the hype inducing intro rhythm of hip-hop artist Drake's hit record “Back To Back.” The Ole Miss kickoff team and sideline erupted, swaying back and forth swaggerishly to the beat. As soon as it registered, Meghan leaned over and asked simply, “Foreshadowing?” “Let's find out.” I said, as Gary Wunderlich booted it deep into the arms of the Alabama return man, the echoes of long and drawn out “Roll Tide Roll!” booming through the stadium.
The kick, the catch... Boom! The kickoff team makes contact with the return man and the crowd instantly goes from cheering to silent. The Ole Miss players are swarming around the spot of the ball, pointing in the opposite direction as if they knew that they had gained possession. As I looked and waited, a player in a white jersey and powder blue lid comes bursting out of the pile with the football. “The ruling on the field is that the Alabama player fumbled the football before his knee was down, therefore it is Ole Miss' football.” said the referee. It was almost as if the life had been instantly sucked from the stadium. The Alabama sideline could not believe it, and neither could the crowd. They had picked up right where they left off in the last meeting, a fumbling on the kickoff. Ole Miss quickly cashed the turnover and field position into points, albeit only a field goal, but the Rebels took the lead early.
Back and forth the teams went, both defenses showing that they were once again a part of the nation's elite, trading field goals to put the game at a 3-3 draw into the second quarter. Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss' star number one recruit from a few short years ago, was wreaking havoc on the Alabama offensive line. In the eyes of the NFL Scouts, you could say that he was “putting on a clinic.” The pressure from the Ole Miss defensive front would soon take it's toll on young Alabama quarterback Cooper Bateman, allowing Rebel safety Trae Elston to make a pivotal play in the game, intercepting a deep throw toward the middle of the field. In stunting a Tide drive, the Rebels also moved into Alabama territory on the return. Against a defense as good as Alabama's, field position, no matter how it is earned, is vital. Ole Miss, lead by quarterback Chad Kelly, took the opportunity and drove down to the Crimson Tide half yard line. Alabama still would not break defensively, holding the Rebels on three straight plays, making it fourth and goal. Bringing his signature “big” package into the game, Coach Hugh Freeze was about to fool everyone in the stadium, including me. The snap went to the three hundred pound wildcat quarterback Jeremy Liggins for what was sure to be a powerful run into the teeth of the Crimson Tide defense. Just as soon as Liggins caught the snap, then popped the ball back forward right into the hands of running back Jordan Wilkins, who was motioning across the formation. Wilkins strolled into the end zone untouched to take the lead. Silence. The ensuing kickoff went to star Alabama running back Kenyan Drake, who then proceeded to fumble it away as well. The crowd was in disbelief. Three plays later, Chad Kelly took the snap from the Alabama four yard line, somehow getting to the corner and outside of the defense. He dove through a tackle towards the crimson painted end zone, landing defiantly with his arms outstretched for another touchdown. 17-3, Ole Miss leads. But, like all great teams do, Alabama would come roaring back, scoring on a long touchdown drive to end the half with Ole Miss only leading 17-10. The momentum was shifting back to the Crimson Tide, and the stadium could feel it too.
After the half with Alabama's defense playing on fire and the momentum ever building in the Tide's favor, the Rebels faced a pivotal third down with one yard to gain. They could not afford to go three-and-out on this drive. If they did, they were at risk of losing any momentum they may have left. As the ball was snapped, trouble immediately followed. The football sailed up over Chad Kelly's head, barely low enough for him to get a hand on it. It popped straight up into the air and just floated for what seemed like hours. By the time he caught it, three Crimson Tide defenders were swarming, closing in on him. There was no escape. In a Johnny Manziel-esque sequence of events, Kelly swiveled and heaved the ball into the direction of receiver Laquon Treadwell. I could just see the game changing interception coming. The ball fluttered pitifully down as Laquon jumped up to try and catch it, two defenders draped on him. As he grabbed it, an Alabama defender knocked it straight down out of his hands. In an extreme turn of events, instead of falling to the ground, the football bounced off of the second Alabama defender's helmet back up into the air. It fell right into the hands of Rebel receiver Quincy Adeboyejo, who then streaked down the sideline and into the end zone for a touchdown. Everyone was in such extreme disbelief that no one could say a word. As the Ole Miss sideline erupted in applause, the Alabama sideline was the polar opposite. Nick Saban was irate. He threw his arms up in the air defiantly as he mouthed, “What the?...” 24-10, Ole Miss.
From that point, the game took a huge turn in the Rebels favor as they continued to pour it on. Forcing and taking advantage of Crimson Tide turnover, they just began to beat Alabama in every aspect of the football game. The score grew to a 30-10 Ole Miss lead near the end of the third quarter. It was far from over. Just as before, Alabama would come roaring back, lead by senior quarterback Jake Coker, the starter of the Tide's two previous games who had been benched in place of Bateman for tonights game. Alabama was then able to crank up the pressure and shut down the Ole Miss offense as they mounted their come back, scoring fourteen unanswered points. Ole Miss' lead stood only at six, 30-24. Just as it seemed Alabama had regained all momentum, Rebel quarterback Chad Kelly sprinted right as if to run, pulling up at the very last second as if to throw. He pushed the ball over the head of the Alabama defender and it glided right into the hands of receiver Cody Core, who was standing all alone down the sideline. Core took it the rest of the way, racing into the end zone for a touchdown. 36-24, Ole Miss leads with eleven minutes left to play. The Landshark Defense would then step up once again, intercepting Coker on the following drive. This would seemingly give the Rebels the stop they needed to finish the game. Two plays later, Chad Kelly would find Laquon Treadwell in the end zone over the top of Alabama defensive back Cyrus Jones for another touchdown, and just like that, the Rebels had a 43-24 lead with only nine minutes to play. It was at this point that some of the Alabama fans started to pour out of the stadium, essentially conceiting defeat. The Alabama players would not waiver though, again driving down the field for a score, never giving up and cutting the lead to 43-30 with six minutes to play in the game. What followed was a sequence of events that made me sure Ole Miss was going to go back to their old ways and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as I had watched them do so many times before. Alabama kicker Adam Griffith chipped a perfectly executed onside kick. It bounced up into the air, over the Rebel receivers, and into the hands of an Alabama player. The Tide was not dead yet. On the ensuing possession, Alabama quarterback Jake Coker would again find the end zone in the form of his newfound go-to receiver, Richard Mullaney, cutting the Ole Miss lead to 43-37 with three minutes left in the game.
Following the kickoff, Ole Miss was attempting to put the game away on offense. With no time out's left, the Alabama coaching staff had put in all of their chips in hopes of stopping the Rebels on this drive. Ole Miss only needed one first down to win the game, but it was not meant to be. Forced to punt, the Rebel defenders would once again be called upon to win the game. Now the only thing standing between Alabama and a miraculous comeback victory was the Landshark defense. It all came down to a fourth down play for the Tide. Everyone in the stadium, Alabama and Ole Miss fans alike, collectively held their breath as Jake Coker dropped back to throw and fired across the field. Incomplete! The defense had done it once again! Ole Miss had done what seemed impossible, beating the Crimson Tide two years in a row. Drake's song could be heard echoing from the Ole Miss locker room and team buses for the rest of the night, “Oh man, oh man, oh man, not again..” The Rebels had beat Alabama, and they had done it back to back.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
This essay was written as a creative writing assignment in one of my education classes.
- Hunter Jones
Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt Uniform Preview ~ 2015
No. 3 Ole Miss is coming off of the biggest win for any team in the country thus far in the young season with its road win over then No. 2 Alabama, but it is not without it's toll. When facing one of the most physically powerful teams in college football, it's tough not to get beat up a little. Head Coach Hugh Freeze announced after the game that his star safety out of South Panola High School, Tony Conner, suffered a slight tear in his right meniscus. The injury required minor surgery, and he will be out at least four weeks. Also, offensive tackle Justin Bell could miss time due to a minor injury, and with Tunsil still out, this could be cause for concern for an already thin offensive line. Expect Jeremy Liggins to get some reps in the trenches these next few weeks with the schedule lightening up a bit.
This week, the Rebels (3-0) host the Vanderbilt Commodores (1-2) at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium. Vanderbilt is coming off of a historically bad season (even for Vanderbilt) and two pretty bad losses at home to Western Kentucky and Georgia. Last week, the Commodores showed a little fight, though, beating Austin Peay 47-7. This will be Vanderbilt's first road game of the year, and it will be a tough one. The Landshark Defense, coming off of a solid, yet improvable performance at Alabama (The defense was gassed late in the game against the Tide, and it showed.), will be looking for blood early and often against an underwhelming Vanderbilt offense.
Uniform wise, Ole Miss will look spectacular, as the Powder Blue helmets are set to make their second straight, and probably last, appearance of the season. It's a wear red game, so we can expect to see the Rebels in the same combination as the Chucky Mullins game against Memphis last season. (Powder Blue/Red/Gray)
It's going to be a good game to be a Rebel, expect a big win with some of the starters getting some rest early.
Where at?: Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Playing surface: Artificial Field Turf
Gametime: 6 pm CT on ESPNU
See y'all in the Grove.
Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt Uniform Review ~ 2015
This game was the definition of a hangover game for Ole Miss. Coming off of a big win in Tuscaloosa, the Rebels should have hung half a hundred on paper against the Commodores. But that is why they play the game on the field and not on paper, right? It was an underwhelming performance at best for what is supposed to be the No. 3 team in America. But to Vanderbilt's credit, they had a good game plan, executed well, and took advantage of some Ole Miss mistakes and injuries. Yes, the injuries hurt. I am not completely sold on this Ole Miss team defensively yet, and while it's not fair to compare them to last years defense, they are not to that level, yet. That's not saying that they can't get there or won't get there. Robert Nkemdiche continued to dominate when he was in the game, and his little-big brother Denzel went on to have a career night (12 solo tackles, 14 total). Overshadowing that was the fact that for the second week in a row, the defense got gassed, and everyone in the stadium could tell. Offensively, Tunsil still unable to play, plus having Bell out on the already thin offensive line, was a problem. Vanderbilt had the Ole Miss offense in fits, constantly pressuring Kelly into errant throws and scrambling around. He also threw two interceptions. In the redzone, the struggles only got worse, as Ole Miss had to settle for three field goal attempts after getting inside the Vanderbilt 20 yard line. Ole Miss was just 3 for 13 on third down. Simply put, this was an ugly game for the Rebs.
Uniform wise, it couldn't have been better though. Ole Miss came out in the throwback Powder Blue helmets for probably the last time this year, and dang did they look good under the lights over the red jersey and gray pants.
@OleMissFB
The defense did hold when they needed to though, bending often, but rarely breaking in the red zone and only giving up 16 points.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Ole Miss wideout Damore'ea Stringfellow scored a touchdown early, after the Commodores took the lead, giving the Rebels their first deficit of the 2015 Season.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
At the end of the day, Ole Miss pulled off the win to move to 4-0, while Vanderbilt fell to 1-3. Great teams throughout the course of a season often have to be tested and persevere. The Rebels perhaps got a blessing in disguise with this wake-up call at home.
Next week, Ole Miss travels to Gainesville to play the Florida Gators, who under new coach Jim McElwain, have constantly improved and quietly accumulated a 4-0 record themselves. The Rebels are talented, but in the SEC, so is everyone else. If the Ole Miss wants to escape the Swamp with a win, they will need to show some improvement from their game against Vanderbilt. It's a long season, and sometimes to get to Atlanta and beyond, teams just have to play week to week, survive, and advance. The Rebels survived last night.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
Ole Miss vs. Florida Uniform Preview ~ 2015
Coming off of a less than impressive win at home against the Vanderbilt Commodores, the Ole Miss Rebels (4-0) will face one of the more tricky road trips of the college football season. Hugh Freeze will lead his team into Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators (4-0) in the Swamp. Under new head coach Jim McElwain, Florida has drastically improved from where they had fallen over the past few years, accumulating an unbeaten record of their own. Coming into the game, Florida has reached it's first top 25 ranking of the season, conveniently landing at No. 25, while Ole Miss retained it's No. 3 spot, even after a lackluster performance at home. Now there is no doubt that Ole Miss is the more talented team, and Florida has some NFL Draft talent of their own, but talent doesn't always make or break a football game, as we saw last week with the Rebels struggling against Vanderbilt. If Ole Miss wants to escape Florida with a win, they will have to improve upon their performance from a week ago. Florida is a premier power in the sport, and perennial powers like that don't stay down forever. Coming off of a dramatic win over preseason trendy SEC pick Tennessee (making it the 11th straight win over the Vols for Florida), Coach Mac has the Gators trending upward, and would love nothing more than to springboard his team into that national spotlight with an upset win at home over the Rebels.
Uniform wise, expect a good looking game. Florida is one of those teams that has it's classic look that they have sported for ages, and never gets old. The orange helmet, donned by the "Gators" script, is one of the best in all of football. They have updated their set over the years, subtly, and it has paid off tremendously. I honestly think it looks great. The most recent update is the number font, changing from the standard block to a more unique font, while still keeping the basic look of the uniform.
Old Number Font
New Number Font
Expect Florida to be in their Blue tops at home, even though they have an alternate set of Orange jerseys they have frequented. Pants, their base set is White, but they could switch it up and go Blue or Orange as well.
Ole Miss also has a classic set of their own, but for fans of nostalgia, look for the Rebs to come out in the same combination they were wearing the last time they made a trip to the Swamp and beat Tim Tebow and the top 5 ranked Gators back in 2008.
And about that Sports Illustrated.
Let's hope the Rebels come out and show the country that they can bounce back from their performance last weekend, and prove that they are one of the top teams in the country. They will have to in order to come out with a win, because down in the Swamp, they say only Gators get out alive.
Where at?: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
Playing surface: Natural Grass
Gametime: 6 pm CT on ESPN
Ole Miss vs. Florida Uniform Review ~ 2015
No. 25 Florida - 38, No. 3 Ole Miss - 10. Ouch. The Rebels got their back side handed to them Saturday night in the Swamp. There is no other way to put it. Short and simply, this game sucked. As a fan, it's not going to stop sucking, not next week when Ole Miss (hopefully) beats New Mexico State. Not the week after when who knows what happens in the Liberty Bowl. Start praying for when Texas A&M comes to town. I don't think anyone will be able to get over this one until (and if) Ole Miss can beat the Aggies at home in three weeks. They are going to need every single day of those three weeks to try and fix the glaring problems that the Gators exposed. The uniforms didn't look good either, as Ole Miss came out in Navy helmets, white jersey, and Navy pants with the heinous "REBELS" word mark down the leg. Can we just go ahead and burn those, please? Florida came out in their Orange monochrome look, sure to be a go to in big games from here on out. So where to start?
@OleMissFB
How about with something good, kind of? Chad Kelly sort-of-kinda proved himself as "the guy" last night. In spite of a real butt whipping, Kelly was the only glimmer of hope last night on offense. We're talking sunlight through a crack in the pitch black basement glimmer, but a glimmer still. If it wasn't for his ability to evade the rush at times, and make some very difficult throws, Ole Miss may have never even sniffed a point on the scoreboard. The offensive line got absolutely victimized last night, and Kelly stood in and took blow after blow, and got up every time. It would have been very easy for him to just throw in the towel, but he kept competing, even with the game out of hand. He didn't leave the sideline for the locker room before the game was over, and he showed a lot of heart. Granted, he did not play great. That can't solely be placed on the offensive line struggles, but in no way, shape, or form did it help his cause. Now, give credit where credit is due. Florida had an outstanding game plan, and they executed it to perfection. Coach McElwain has done a phenomenal job turning the Gators program around and developing his quarterback, Will Grier, who looked like Tom Brady against the Rebels. The Gator defense has plenty of talent, and it was on full display as they completely discombobulated the Ole Miss offense.
Did I mention that it's rough up front? The offensive line is the most obvious and glaringly bad unit of this team. They can't protect Chad, and there is an obvious reason Ole Miss is so anemic running the football. This line is beaten down and bruised, shuffled around and inexperienced. Laremy Tunsil's ongoing suspension/investigation does not help one bit. But as beat up as they are, that is not an excuse to be as bad as the Rebels were Saturday night. With the recruiting that Hugh Freeze has been able to do in Oxford over the last couple of years, it is very hard to believe that the depth is just that bad at Ole Miss. Something else is wrong. Maybe it's the scheme, the coaching, the system, or even just bad luck, but something has got to be fixed. With the meat of the schedule approaching quickly, there isn't much time to fix it.
Do not even get me started on the issues with the red zone offense, and yes, this does somewhat fall on the offensive line as well (I promise I'm not just picking on the big guys up front.), but the play calling was suspect at best. For starters, I can not understand for the life of me why inside the ten yard line the Rebels can't seem to take a shot throwing the ball up to Laquon Treadwell when he's matched up in single coverage. I mean, he is only arguably the best, most physical, wide receiver in college football. Let him make a play. I can't think of any defensive back that could handle him one-on-one and be able to completely shut him down. Second, would it kill them to have a package where the quarterback lines up under center? How about some straight up, down hill, run blocking and carrying? I'm not getting paid the big bucks, but I don't see other teams having too much trouble doing it, and after Saturday's outing, could it really get worse? Just go under center, put Robert Nkemdiche or Big Lig at fullback, and let Wilkins follow behind and lower his head for a yard or two. But, like I said, I don't get paid the big bucks to make these sort of decisions, yet.
On the other side of the ball, I would love to believe that the defense is really good, just underperforming, and to an extent they are. But, maybe they are not as good as the hype, especially in the backfield? Yes, having Tony Conner out hurts, badly at times, but this was supposed to be the deepest/best defensive backfield to come through Oxford, right? For the third week in a row, the defense got dinked and dunked up and down the field five and six yards at a time. I don't know whether or not to credit that to coaching and scheme, or simply that the defensive backs just can't get there in time to defend it. Would it hurt to play a little press coverage? One would think not after the 5th hitch or out completion in a row. I'm not sure that there is or can be a quick fix, but getting Tony Conner back for A&M can't hurt.
The defensive line is everything it is supposed to be, and Robert Nkemdiche has yet to stop wreaking havoc, almost single handedly, but that alone is not enough. They are being rendered almost ineffective by the quick passing game of the opposing offense.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
To sum it up, it's a long season and there is a lot of football to be played. With a win over Alabama in their pocket and Texas A&M, Arkansas, and LSU on the home schedule, the Rebels still control their own destiny as far as getting to Atlanta. Their College Football Playoff hopes took a big hit, but it would be hard to believe that a one loss SEC Champion could be left out of the four team field. So on paper, everything is still there and attainable for the Rebs. I say on paper because personally, I do not think if Ole Miss continues on the trend of the last two weeks that they will be able to run the table, not even close. It's going to be hard to beat anybody with a performance like we got in Gainesville, and realistically, right now every game looks tough. Memphis is quietly 5-0, and the trip up I-55 just got a lot more interesting. Texas A&M is currently 5-0 with one of the better quarterbacks in the conference throwing it around pretty well. Arkansas isn't sure what they are yet, but a senior quarterback and serviceable running game look be tough to stop if you have been watching the same Ole Miss team I have. LSU, while very one dimensional right now, is also 5-0 and has Leonard Fournette. That in itself is enough to worry even the best of defenses, and it is a good possibility that the Tigers are able to open up their passing game between now and November 21st. Auburn and Mississippi State seem to have just as many problems as Ole Miss, if not more, but those games now look to be interesting as well. There is a lot of improving to do for the Rebs, and the rest of the schedule isn't really helping any, but that does not mean it can't be done. It would be awesome to run the table from here on out, and possibly avenge this loss to the Gators in the SEC Championship Game, but after watching what happened to this team Saturday night, it's just hard to realistically believe the Rebels can get to December without another loss or two, even for the most optimistic of fans. To put it bluntly, the Florida game was downright embarrassing. So guys, let's get it together and fight our way back to the top. We can only go up from here, right?
Needless to say, I will still be in talkin' trash and cheerin' for the Rebs next week, and every week after that. If anybody wants to see a turnaround, I promise it's this guy, and I'll be the first to happily eat my words when it happens.
Didn't get to make the trip to the Swamp due to fraternity/sorority rush, so no tailgating pic this week. So I'll go ahead and take this opportunity to brag on my beautiful, Katy Perry theme dressed, girlfriend up top. She killed it this week, and I couldn't be more proud, so girls, go AOΠ. And while I'm at it, my brothers and I over at ATΩ hauled in a pretty good cruitin' class of our own. How bout them Taus?
Ole Miss vs. New Mexico State Uniform Preview ~ 2015
I think it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyways. Ole Miss needed this game, bad. Coming off of an embarrassing, blowout loss down in Gainesville at the hands of the Florida Gators, the Rebs needed an easy one. Don't get me wrong, I mean no disrespect to the Aggies, but as a fan, I can look at this game from a biased perspective. Last time I checked, I don't know any team that lost because the fans looked down on the opponent and didn't take them "seriously." I know, I know, you're suppose to take every game seriously because this is football, and anybody can beat anybody. I know the whole spiel, and as a former player/wanna-be coach, I'm the choir. But as a fan, I can't see this game that way. I see a good team, agitated and needing a confidence boost, playing a team with a significant drop in talent from their own.
On the flip side, the Rebels are beat up. The Rebels feelings are hurt. They fell from a lofty No. 3 ranking, predictions of a playoff spot with a possible number one seed, and being the favorite to win the SEC, all the way down to No. 13 or 14, depending on what poll you're lookin' at. With that being said, it's probably not going to be easy or pretty. Ole Miss has some problems. The most obvious is up front on the offensive line. Don't forget the defense with it's inability to get off of the field. There is plenty of work to do. So with that being said, there is no doubt in my mind that if I can see it, then the coaches can see it. Which means we can, at the very least, take confidence in knowing something will beattempted in trying to make adjustments. Lucky for the Rebs, New Mexico State should provide just the right amount of live action to get this ship going back in the right direction. Ole Miss needs this game for some sort of redemption, to work on the flaws, and honestly, to take out some frustration. The 0-4 New Mexico State Aggies happened to draw the short straw.
As far as the uniforms go, the official word is that fans need to wear Red. I would say that means the Rebs will we coming out in the Red jersey, which I love, but that doesn't necessarily reflect the jersey color. It is almost impossible to try and predict the pants option. I'm a sucker for tradition, so in most of my predictions the popular pick is the Gray pants. But, going off of recent games, just because that is the option I think looks best, doesn't mean it's what the Rebs are wearing. They could come out in the new white pants, which I will admit I like as well. I can only hope that they do not decide to come out in Navy pants with the Red top, but it has happened before (AWFUL). The Powder Blue helmets have been retired for the year, at least we think, seeing as some of them were on sale in the Rebel Locker Room last week. So expect to see the Navy lid from here on out. I think that I'm going to take the safe route with my uniform prediction, and present you with three possibilities we could see based on the Red jersey.
First, my homer pick, the Red on Gray.
Second option, Red on top of the new White pants. Not bad.
Then, there is this monstrosity. Please no.
Curveball, they could fool us all and come out in a Navy jersey. This seems to be a popular pick for out of conference games:
I guess it doesn't look that bad. I'm just not a fan of the "REBELS" down the pants leg. How 'bout we throw some stripes on those bad boys?
Where at?: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Playing surface: Artificial Field Turf
Gametime: 11 am CT on SEC Network
Ole Miss vs. New Mexico State Uniform Review ~ 2015
Well, like I said in the last entry, Ole Miss needed this one. It was an early kickoff in Oxford, and the atmosphere reflected it. Coming off of an ugly and embarrassing loss to Florida, a non conference opponent who was expected to get pummelled coupled with an 11 o'clock kickoff time, the Grove was relatively empty. The student section? Likewise. Nonetheless, the Rebs put on a pretty good performance for what it was worth. The uniforms were great. Ole Miss came out in their classic Navy Blue jersey on top of Gray pants, the first time we have seen the combination this year.
@OleMissFB
There was very little celebration though, as the defense still looked shaky, often times unable to get off of the field on third down, allowing the Aggies to mount some drives and roll along. The Landsharks would often bend, but never broke, giving up only three points and hauling in two interceptions.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Trae Elston snagged himself one, ending a New Mexico State drive that had moved into Rebel territory.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Chucky Mullins award winner Mike Hilton got his name on the stat sheet as well, recording his first interception of the year.
To sum it up, the defense looked average at best against inferior competition, and the Aggies missed two field goals.
The offense moved the ball well in spite of missing numerous starters, especially up front, but there were quite honestly too many sloppy moments to feel overly confident going into Memphis this weekend. Sure, the Rebels continued to put up monster numbers against lesser competition, but Ole Miss had three turnovers against a less that average defense. These are all pretty big causes for concern with nothing but big conference games looming after the trip the Liberty Bowl.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Wide Receiver Laquon Treadwell had a big game, catching eight passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, one of which belonged everybit on the SportsCenter top 10.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Running Back Eugene Brazley led the team in rushing with 98 yards and a touchdown, which was a 78 yard scamper seen above.
Simply put, it Ole Miss wants to keep winning and stay in control of its SEC and Playoff destiny, they need to continue to improve. Memphis is up next.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
Ole Miss vs. Memphis Uniform Preview ~ 2015
Coming off of an "okay" homecoming win over Sun Belt bottom dweller New Mexico State (0-5), the No. 12 Rebels (5-1) showed some improvement going into their showdown with the No. 22 Memphis Tigers (5-0). The first half was ugly, but Ole Miss came out in the second half and looked a little more like their old selves.
Unrelated to this game, but there was some HUGE news this week. It comes as a great relief to Rebel Nation and the offensive line that the NCAA has finally released their findings and handed down their punishment to star tackle Laremy Tunsil, who has been serving a self-imposed six game suspension while he was under investigation for "impermissible benefits." He will only have to sit out one more game, as the NCAA ruled that his "crime" was worth a seven game suspension and some other logistical repayments. As far as playing time goes, "King Tunsil" will be back just in time to put Myles Garrett on the turf and to keep him out of Chad Kelly's ear. Now, he won't have an impact on this week's game against Memphis, but having that elephant out of the room and getting Tunsil back for the upcoming SEC run is an enormous win for the Rebels both on the field and for the team's psyche.
Expect this to be a high scoring game, as Memphis comes in allowing around 27 points per game. This bodes well for Chad Kelly and crew who are trying to regain momentum, having been one of the top scoring offensive units in all of college football this season with 47 points per game. The Tigers don't have too bad of an offensive attack either, averaging 48 points per game as well. The Landshark Defense, having shown some susceptibility to the pass, will be tested by Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch. Lynch, who is completing 70.55% of his throws, has to this point tossed the rock for 1535 yards and 10 touchdowns, all with no interceptions. Something has to give against the Rebels, who have 9 interceptions on the year (Safety Trae Elston leads the team with four, returning two for touchdowns).
The bottom line is this; if Ole Miss wants to get a win on the road against a good Memphis team (who have now won 12 straight), they will have to continue to clean things up and continue to show improvement. Memphis' passing attack will be a good measuring stick for what we can expect when Texas A&M comes rolling into town next weekend. With the SEC gauntlet that is to follow, the Rebs game against the Tigers should be a good gauge on where this team is at, and how we can expect them to play as they finish out the latter half of this season.
Uniform wise, expect the Rebels to come out in one of the variations of their White Road Jerseys, my money's on the Red one (because, ya know, Memphis is Blue). But, I haven't had the best luck in choosing uniform combinations this year, I want to think that it is because Hugh likes to keep me guessing. Here's my (homer) threads prediction for when we beat the Tigers:
White on Gray, can't beat it.
There is also the possibility of breaking out the White pants, which isn't a bad look either.
Just please no Navy pants. Please Hugh.
Where at?: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, TN
Playing surface: Astro Turf
Gametime: 11 am CT on ABC
Ole Miss vs. Memphis Uniform Review ~ 2015
I don't even know where to begin with this one. I am unsure if I can remember seeing something like what happened in the Liberty Bowl on Saturday before, I hope I don't have to see it again, but it's hard to argue with the fact that I probably will, multiple times, as the season sprints to a close. The Rebels went up to Memphis and got outplayed, and frankly, out-coached. Simple as that.
It was a beautiful uniform combination, though. Sadly, it was shown up by the Tigers and their heinous, Cincinnati Bengals rip-off, modgepodge of a uniform. The Rebels came out in the Powder Blues once again, this time over White jerseys and Gray pants, the same combination that they used to take down the Tide in Tuscaloosa on a night that now seems like ages ago.
@OleMissFB
When the game started, it looked like Ole Miss may have finally gotten their groove back. The Rebs scored 14 points and stuffed Memphis on every drive for the first five minutes of the game.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Then like switching a light switch, the Ole Miss from Florida and Vanderbilt was back. Memphis proceeded to score 31 unanswered points. When Ole Miss finally decided to wake back up, it was too late. They climbed into too big of a hole, and it cost them the game.
Let's go ahead and let this be known. I am not trying to take any credit at all away from the Tigers. They are a good football team. Justin Fuente is doing a heckuva coaching job. Paxton Lynch is every bit the guy at quarterback. But I am calling you a liar if you say you are shocked at what happened in Memphis. Yes sir (or ma'am), you. If you try to say that you did not see or think about this one coming, you are a liar. Maybe you didn't want to admit it or believe it could happen, I know I didn't. But Ole Miss has not been the same team since that night in Tuscaloosa, and maybe they never were. Sure, injuries hurt, and the offensive line is still bad, but there is something else going on in Oxford. Talent wise, this is one of those teams that you can look at and know that something special is there just waiting to be grasped. This many players with that kind of ability don't string together on one team in the same year very often, especially not in Oxford, Mississippi.
So what happened? Effort? Injuries? Coaching? Honestly, I can't say. It's not fair of me to judge when I am not an intimate part of the program. I am not in the locker room, and I do not know the dynamic of this football team on that level.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
That being said, Senior Safety Trae Elston let the public in on a program issue, which is never what you want to have exposed as a coach. The ideal method is to deal with any problems internally, and learn from them. But, he said, "A lot of people on our team, we didn't have our heart into it." Now, with only one loss, controlling your own destiny in the SEC and Playoff race should be enough to give any football team heart, but hey, what do I know. It could be nothing, but it is worrisome that a senior, a leader, is telling the media he thinks there is a lack of heart in his locker room. So with that, I can only tell you my opinion based on what I hear, the performance every Saturday I see on the field, and the results that follow. Right now it's not good.
There will be a lot of chatter and chirping about Freeze, his credibility and decision making, and once again I am as guilty as anyone sometimes. But we need to remember that this is a tough and unpredictable game. Freeze has taken Ole Miss from the dumpster of college football to a team that is becoming competitive game-in and game-out in the toughest conference there is.
Sure, the decision to go for it on fourth down and not kick the field goal is ridiculed now. It didn't work. Granted, the play call itself was questionable because that play would have a hard time working with a functional offensive line and running game, much less what the Rebels had out there, but I don't question actually going for it when Ole Miss desperately needed some momentum. As for Robert Nkemdiche's concussion, come on man. You can not blame Freeze for that. I don't know any football coach out there who wouldn't do whatever he could to put his team in position to succeed. I don't know any coach who, with the same talent and situation, would not do the same thing. The guy played running back in high school.
It's not like he's out there lost and in danger because he doesn't know how to play the position. Not to mention, he is a monster out there. I don't think I know any defender in the country who could take him down solo.
No one was complaining when he was catching touchdowns.
Or how about blowing up the Vanderbilt defensive front? What say you then?
I say, he is just as susceptible to a concussion at defensive tackle, if not more so, as he is when he occasionally is playing power running back. Heads collide every single snap down in the trenches. He just happened to get tackled where his head hit the ground the wrong way. No one could have known it was coming, and that's football. That's the name of the game. He is a competitor and he knows what he's getting into when he straps on his chin strap. He wants to do anything within his power to help his football team win. I promise he wouldn't have it any other way. Defensively, Tony Connor's absence is showing greater every game. The defensive backs are struggling in coverage. Tackling is exceptionally bad, and maybe coaching can fix it, but ultimately that is on the players. The correct call was made multiple times, and players were in the right position to make a play and get off of the field multiple times. Missed tackles killed that. So not everything can solely be put on the coaching, even though that is always the scapegoat.
There were some semi-positives from this game too. The receiving threat that this team poses can be lethal, lethal, if they can get it going. Laquon Treadwell is one of the best wideouts in recent memory. We're talkin' Julio Jones and A.J. Green good. If this is the direction the offense needs to go, then maybe they should pursue it. The coaching staff will make the best decision and handle it.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The bottom line is that it's easy to question something from the couch or recliner when the pressure isn't on you to make the call. It's easy to chirp and chatter when something doesn't work or go well as you watch it on TV or from the bleachers. Once again, I am just as guilty as the next guy sometimes, but it needs to stop. If anyone can right the ship, we need to put faith in our coach to do so. Injuries and unforeseen circumstances are hard to overcome, and the Rebels have had more than their fair share of both, but the coaching staff has been trusted to do just that as best as possible. Don't forget that Ole Miss is only 3 1/2 years removed from 2-10, and every year since the staff has arrived they have improved their total in the win column. If anything, the Rebels are still ahead of schedule as far as having to build the program from nothing, which is what it was, nothing. Think about that for a second. Yeah, it sucks to lose, especially when you're "supposed to win," but the world ain't over.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Trust in the plan, trust in the team, and enjoy the ride. Nobody can win 'em all, not even the Alabama's of the world. So let's not get spoiled here.
It's way too early to jump ship. Hugh Freeze is our guy, so let's let the man coach and do his job.
Beat the hell outta Texas A&M.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
Couldn't make the trip to Memphis due to a hot date I had planned with my Georgia girl (Can you blame me? Look at her). And for those of y'all out there who have never been to Athens, let me tell ya, you need to get out there. It's a good time to say the least. Their football atmosphere is okay, too. Between the Hedges: checked off the ole bucket list.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M Uniform Preview ~ 2015
Saturday night at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels will take on the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies. Both teams are coming off of a loss, with Ole Miss dropping a game at Memphis, and A&M being unable to hold up against Alabama at home. In other words, both teams are in desperate need of a win, and this game carries significant implications on the SEC West Race, as both teams come in with only one conference loss. The loser can likely kiss their chances at getting to Atlanta goodbye, as Alabama is continually gaining momentum with their one early season loss to the Rebels, and LSU being undefeated.
As for the uniforms, Texas A&M is Maroon, so expect the Rebs to be in their Navy Jersey. What pants? I will be just as surprised as you at this point. I like to think Gray.
But maybe a monochrome Navy Look?
Heck we might even wear Red for all I know.
Since Texas A&M has joined the SEC, the road team in this matchup has won the game every time. Ole Miss is struggling on defense, especially in the secondary. Texas A&M threw three interceptions last week against Alabama, all of which were returned for touchdowns. Something will have to give Saturday night.
On the offensive line, Ole Miss is still struggling. This week comes with some help, though, as star Laremy Tunsil will be making his first start of the 2015 season after finishing his seven game suspension after being under investigation by the NCAA. On the flip side of the coin, starting Center Robert Conyers is now out for the year with a torn ACL. So just as Tunsil is ready to return, the offensive line will once again be reshuffled in time for a solid defensive front, led by Myles Garrett, who has 8.5 sacks on the year.
Ole Miss safety Trae Elston has recovered from his concussion and will play Saturday night. C.J. Johnson has said on Twitter that he would not miss the game, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Safety Tony Conner will likely not play, looking to need more time to recover from his knee injury that has kept him out since the Alabama game. Robert Nkemdiche needed to pass a few more concussion tests on Thursday before being cleared to play.
The bottom line here is this. We get to find out what kind of team this really is with everything on the line as far as SEC aspirations. Texas A&M is a team that is known for its high flying offense and skill players, and the Landshark Defense will have their hands full. Personally, I expect a high scoring affair because it seems the coaches have realized that Chad Kelly is pretty good at quarterback, and he may have a few okay receivers to throw to. But if the offensive line can't hold up, and the pressure and sacks start to build up, it is going to be a long day to be a Rebel.
Like Hugh used to say, the Rebs just need to go out there, lock the gate, and pick a fight.
Where at?: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Playing surface: Artificial Field Turf
Gametime: 6 pm CT on ESPN
The Essay: Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M Uniform Review / Ole Miss vs. Auburn Uniform Preview ~ 2015
"The Rebels Return"
Just weeks ago, the Ole Miss Rebels were coming off of an Earth shaking victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. In the eyes of the college football world, especially the Ole Miss fans, that night now seems like ages ago. What followed were a seemingly innumerable amount of injuries, all to key players, along the offensive line and in defensive secondary. This resulted in noticeable gaps in performance from the team. Couple that with some questionable coaching calls and some uninspired play, and the Rebels very quickly found themselves free falling from their perch in the college football rankings. Now in a very bleak situation as far as preseason goals, Ole Miss had accumulated two embarrassing road losses at the hands of the Florida Gators and the Memphis Tigers. The Ole Miss team that started the season out as the nation's top scoring offense and dominating defense was all but gone. With a home game against the high flying and highly ranked Texas A&M Aggies approaching, as well as match-ups with an unpredictably talented Auburn team on the Plains, a gritty Arkansas team at home, unbeaten LSU and Heisman Trophy front runner Leonard Fournette coming to Oxford, and the always hospitable trip to Starkville and Mississippi State looming, there was a span of time where even the most optimistic of Rebel fans would have a hard time not writing this team off. But then, something changed. This past Saturday inside the walls of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, donning their Red jersey and Gray pants, the Rebels returned.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
What ensued was a complete beatdown of the Aggies. In front of a raucous Ole Miss home crowd, the defense thrived as the crowd roared. It was a night and day difference from the previous four weeks. The offense was clicking on all cylinders, running and throwing the rock at will.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The Landshark Defense was once again living up to it's name, seeming to feed off of the crowd's energy. Play after play, possession after possession, the defense gave A&M nothing. There was a stretch in the middle of the game where Aggie quarterback Kyle Allen went twenty-two straight throws without even gaining a positive yard.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
All of this was done in spite of star defensive tackle, and future number one overall pick, Robert Nkemdiche's absence due to a concussion he had sustained against Memphis in the previous week. From the opening kickoff, until the final whistle blew, it was total domination.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Offensively, the return of Laremy Tunsil had an immediate impact on the entire unit. Ole Miss could finally run the football, pounding away at Texas A&M for 230 yards. This was huge, because in the games against Memphis and Florida, the ground game only averaged about 95 yards, total. Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly sure appreciated the help, too. Having Tunsil back at left tackle allowed the makeshift offensive line that had plagued offensive production in the the past weeks to move players back into their more natural positions. This newfound cohesiveness allowed Kelly to have more time in the pocket to find a target, and less time lying on his back.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The results were astounding, as Kelly started the game completing his first twelve pass attempts, then finishing up with 241 yards and two touchdowns (He had his third called back on a questionable penalty).
With the domination of Texas A&M safely in the record books, it is safe to say that Ole Miss is starting to get their groove back. There are plenty of good reasons why their return should be something every Rebel fan, every college football fan, should get behind. First and foremost, Ole Miss travels to Auburn this weekend for a rematch in which the prequel almost cost one Rebel his career, and cost his teammates their season. Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell remembers that night all too well. It was late in the fourth quarter of a back and forth game, a game that was essentially a playoff play-in between two one-loss SEC West rivals who were currently clinging to numbers three and four in the College Football Playoff committee's rankings. Treadwell had been essential to the Rebels comeback drive up until that moment, and looked pretty much unstoppable as he took a screen pass into the middle of the field and turned toward the end zone. What followed was a heartbreaking and gut-wrenching injury that haunts Rebel Nation even today. As Laquon seemingly scored the game winning touchdown for the Rebels, he was dragged down from behind by a Tiger defender, causing the ball to fall out of his outstretched hand as he crossed the goal line.
Upon further review, and injured and crying Laquon, as well as the entirety of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, had to listen to the referee explain how he had simultaneously dropped the football when injuring his leg, but prior to breaking the plane of the end zone, therefore the result of the play was a fumble, recovered by Auburn. The star receiver, the game, and the season, all lost in an instant.
Fast forward to present day, and Laquon has come back better than ever. He has been tearing up opposing defenses, and will likely be the number one wide receiver taken in the 2016 NFL Draft. He leads the Southeastern Conference in receiving yards, receiving yards per game, receptions, and receptions per game. Basically, he leads the best conference in the sport in most of the statistical categories a possible to a wide receiver. I think it is safe to say that Laquon has been looking forward to this week for a long time. All of the physical therapy, training, and work it took to get him back to this point, all of that motivation, will accumulate inside the friendly confines of Jordan-Hare Stadium. When asked for a comment on the upcoming game, Treadwell was short and to the point, saying simply, “They're going to feel my pain.”
If that is not enough reason to jump back on the Rebel bandwagon, perhaps the fact that in spite of picking up their second loss in Memphis two weeks ago, Ole Miss still controls the SEC West, and in theory, their own destiny in the College Football Playoff. With their early season win over the Crimson Tide, if the Rebels run the table, they will make it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game, making it the first trip in Ole Miss football history. If they were to win that game, it would be hard to imagine a scenario where an 11-2 SEC Champion, owning wins over Alabama and LSU, would not make the four team field. Sure, two losses is not flashy, but there is no way to have a so called “true champion” come out of a bracket that did not include the best team from the best league in the sport. The Playoff Committee would have an interesting time sorting that one out, and I for one would love nothing more.
As for this weekends matchup against Auburn, we already know Laquon Treadwell's plans for the Tiger defense. It's impossible to predict which Auburn team will show up, but Guz Malzahn's offense is always dangerous, and the Tigers have a talented team. That being said, I like to think that if the Ole Miss defense shows up to play like they did against Texas A&M, it is going to be a long, rough day for Auburn's rookie quarterback Sean White. They got a big new scoreboard that they are obsessed with, which is cool I guess. Must be an inferiority complex thing, cause State's kinda got that goin' on too.
It's a wear Red game, so if you're heading out to Lee County, don't forget it. Like I said last week for the A&M game, I try to predict the uniforms, but Hugh Freeze reads my blog and chooses accordingly (opposite of what I pick, that is). Common sense says that because Auburn will have Navy on, the Rebs are going to have to wear a white jersey, but accent wise you would think they will go with something Red (like the crowd). But, last time the Rebs went to Auburn, it looked like this:
Awful, IMO. So I'm thinking:
OR.
White jersey, Red numbers, Gray pants OR white pants. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. As long as it brings a win.
Like it or not, Ole Miss may have finally worked through it's mid-season woes. Key players are returning from injuries, and the coaching staff may have finally found a formula to get this team clicking again. Whatever they did in the Texas A&M game sure looked good. If the Rebels come out and play to their potential for the next four games, there is not a game on the schedule that they can't win. If Ole Miss can keep Chad Kelly upright and give him time to find a target, the Rebels can do whatever they want against any team in the country through the air. Kelly has that kind of arm talent, and the receivers are that good. Supplement that with a serviceable running game, and a defense that, when they come to play, can shut down even the best of offenses, and there is a recipe for something big. Auburn and the Hogs, the Bayou Bengals and the Dawgs all better get ready. The Rebels have returned, and Atlanta and the possibility of a playoff berth are still firmly within reach.
Where at?: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Playing surface: Natural Grass
Gametime: 11 am CT on ESPN
Ole Miss vs. Auburn Uniform Review ~ 2015
With the SEC West still firmly in their control, The No. 19 Ole Miss Rebels put everything on the line once again, this time on the road in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Hugh Freeze and his football team beat the Auburn Tigers 27-19 on Halloween Night, and the road to Atlanta will for another week run through Oxford, Mississippi. This is the first time in school history that the Rebels have taken down both of the major football teams in the state of Alabama. Alabama State Champs? Has a nice ring to it, huh?
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
(Yes, I did make this. Shameless self-promotion time, but if you need any kind of artwork or design, I got you.)
@OleMissFB
In the uniform department, I finally got one right. Thanks Hugh. The Rebels came out sporting what I think is their best look (only made better by pairing it with the Powder Blue Helmets), wearing their standard Navy helmet, White jersey with Red stripes and numbers, and their Gray pants.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The game started out well for the Rebs as well with the Landshark Defense holding the Tiger offense and forcing a punt on the opening possession. Chad Kelly and company would then proceed to march the ball right down the field and into the redzone, but had to settle for a field goal. But as we have all learned from the past games, points are points, so take them when you can get them. With the ensuing field goal by Gary Wunderlich good, Ole Miss took a quick 3-0 lead over Auburn in the first quarter.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Following a strong opening stand, the defense would once again halt Gus Malzahn and his spread offense, this time with an interception by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (#HailPerk) transfer and Ole Miss cornerback Tony Bridges.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Yes it is a rough year on the Plains, so say what you will about the Tigers, but holding that offense to 19 points is something to be proud of. A Gus Malzahn offense, much like a Hugh Freeze offense, is built to explode on any given play. Sure there were some missed assignments and tackles, and a badly busted coverage on Auburn's first touchdown pass, but the unit is head and shoulders better than it had been in the previous weeks before Texas A&M. The Landshark Defense earned it's keep on Saturday.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Robert Nkemdiche was back from his concussion, and boy did he look like his number-one-overall-pick-esque self. There was one play in the game where he bulldozed a Tiger offensive lineman right into the face of the quarterback. Talk about embarrassing for that guy.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
I think it goes without saying that Auburn quarterback Sean White had a tough day.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Offensively, it wasn't bad for the Rebs, but it wasn't great either. Chad Kelly threw two interceptions, and it almost hurt Ole Miss as they needed a late fourth quarter touchdown to pull away, and had to force an incompletion on what would have been a game-tying (pending a 2-point conversion) Hail Mary. As the season and the race to Atlanta comes down to the wire, the turnovers are going to need to be cut back on, especially in a game like LSU where every possession could be a game breaker. On the positive side, how 'bout Rebel running back Akeem Judd? He was explosive, making two Tigers look dumb on a scoring run late in the second quarter. He could be part of the answer to Ole Miss' short yardage woes. (Judd behind Liggins behind Tunsil out of the I-formation sounds pretty dang good to me.)
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
How bout our "just average" receiver Laquon Treadwell having himself a little redemption? This time around it was only fitting that he would be the one to stick the nail in the Auburn coffin on a SportsCenter Top 10 catch over his shoulder and the torched head of a Tiger defender. Where was the boom on that one Muschamp?
At the end of the day, the Rebels got out of Auburn with a win, and I don't care who you are, road victories in the SEC are hard to come by. Still in control of their own destiny, Ole Miss responded the right way, and there was a lot of "team" out there on that field. Hugh Freeze has his guys playing with heart and a purpose, and that's all you can ask for as a coach. Lets hope it can last. The Rebels have two home showdowns and Starkville (yikes) to go, and Atlanta is on the line.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
Straight out of Rydell High, I think we made a pretty good preppy Sandy and Danny for Halloween. What'cha think?
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
The scoreboard was big, and Auburn was fun. It would be a great place if it wasn't Auburn.
See y'all in the Grove, and beat them damn Hogs.
Ole Miss vs. Arkansas Uniform Review / Ole Miss vs. LSU Uniform Preview ~ 2015
After having about two weeks to digest the game, and take in some more football across the conference and country, I think I can finally talk about this game; briefly. The amount of shootouts, 4th and twenty-fives, and two-point conversions on social media have burned me out, and if you don't know what happened by now, I'm jealous of you my friend.
@OleMissFB
The bottom line is this. The offense was spectacular, because they had to be.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The defense was awful, but give credit where it is due. Brandon Allen is a bad man when he gets hot. He may just be the best quarterback in the SEC.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Arkansas seems to have gotten hot, just as they did last year, when the season is coming to a close. I wish Ole Miss could have that going for them.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Now I am no expert, but there seems to be a pretty solid trend here for the Rebs under Hugh Freeze. Since the 2012 season, Ole Miss is 5-8 in November. State (12-14) & Arkansas (12-13) are the only SEC wins in that stretch.
Folks, that's not good if you want to win championships. I don't know whether it is a depth issue (likely), coaching and development of players as a year progresses, game adjustments (in-game & out), or what, but there is something. Ole Miss does awesome at setting itself up early in the season to win it, but falls flat on it's face in the ladder part of the season. Championships are won in November. To rub a little salt in the wound, as these last two weeks have played out, everything seems to have fallen in place for Ole Miss to not only make it to Atlanta, but also make it into the playoff with a win. All the dominos have fallen, except the only one that mattered. Ole Miss taking care of business.
With that being said, this is football, and the Arkansas game is a prime example of how anything can happen and why we love this sport. Ole Miss just happened to be on the wrong end. There is a bright side, and there are two more HUGE games to play. That starts this week when the Bayou Bengals come into town. Now, two weeks ago this did not look too promising, but after suffering exposing beatdowns at the hands of Alabama (surprise) and Arkansas (maybe the win over Ole Miss wasn't such a fluke after all), LSU comes limping into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium as a 4 point dog to the Rebs. Now that could either be a blessing or a curse. One side of the coin, with two weeks to prepare for Ole Miss, and LSU & Leonard Fournette looking human, Ole Miss may have a good shot in Oxford. On the other side, with their SEC and Playoff hopes all but driven into the grave in two straight games, LSU could be just mad enough to come and embarrass the Landshark Defense and wreak havoc on the exposed unit. Either way, I think the Rebs will have their hands full with this one.
So let's all just strap in and enjoy the ride. Even more depressing than how this season has turned out so far is that there are only two regular season games left. Saturday will most likely be the last time we see Robert Nkemdiche, Laquon Treadwell, and Laremy Tunsil in an Ole Miss uniform at the Vaught. There is a possibility of Tony Conner, Evan Engram, and even Chad Kelly all leaving as well, not to mention all the seniors. I hate to be the "debbie downer" here, but that is the reality we are looking at. That 2013 class came in here to change the culture and national perception of Ole Miss, and they have done that. But I just can't accept or believe there is not huge disappointment with how everything has unfolded. Then again, would you have ever believed me if I would have told you at the beginning of the season that Ole Miss was two games from sweeping the SEC West, minus Arkansas? (And still not going to make it to Atlanta.)
Either way, Hotty Toddy, Go Rebs, Beat LSU. (please)
Ole Miss vs. LSU Uniform Review ~ 2015
Well that was a fun one, wasn't it? Feels good to beat your rival at home, excuse me, dominate your rival at home, huh? That is exactly what Ole Miss did to LSU in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. They looked good doing it, too.
@OleMissFB
Rebels Quarterback Chad Kelly said it best, "We're rolling, we're doing a good job."
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
He couldn't be more correct. Chad himself threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, and he ran for 81 yards and two more scores on the ground. Talk about having a day.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
The Landshark Defense was out in full force as well, bottling up former Heisman Trophy Candidate Leonard Fournette. Sure, LSU has lost three in a row now, but Fournette is every bit as good as he was hyped to be. Alabama, Arkansas, and Ole Miss (as we all know) are just three pretty good teams that did their job and shut him down.
Josh McCoy/@OleMissPix
Ole Miss beat LSU 38-17, and mathematically they are still alive for the SEC West. All that aside, it's the Egg Bowl up next. That should be motivation enough to respond. Let's finish strong for once Rebs.
Hunter Jones/@huntermatthewj13
Ole Miss Egg Bowl Uniform Preview ~ 2015
This is going to be short and to the point.
This is THE University of Mississippi.
This is the Flagship University.
Chad vs. Dak.
Hugh vs. Dan.
We don't wear gimmicky uniforms.
We don't play out of hate.
Us vs. Them.
What else needs to be said?
BEAT STATE.
And there you have it. Sure, I missed the Egg Bowl Recap and the Sugar Bowl on this site, but like I said, school and stuff. Go Rebs.
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