SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — Hello, this is John Davis here in Knoxville, Tenn., ready for today’s game between the Ole Miss Rebels and Tennessee Volunteers. Ole Miss enters the game with a 4-5 overall record and 1-4 mark in the Southeastern Conference. The Vols are 3-6 and 0-5 in the SEC. Update on Jeremiah Masoli: He was announced as the starter at QB for the Rebels today after dealing the effects of a concussion suffered in last Saturday’s win over Louisiana-Lafayette.
Weather for the game is clear, temperature is 62 degrees. We are 13 minutes from kickoff.
FIRST QUARTER
Rebels get ball first and get 22-yard gain on first play of game. Masoli just gains 2 yards on first carry of day.
Rebels drive to UT 37, but unable to keep drive moving on Masoli pass to Ja-Mes Logan. Rebels picked up two first downs on the drive and gained 37 yards. Vols about to get the ball at their own 20-yard-line.
Vols strike gold on first offensive play when QB Tyler Bray hits Justin Hunter for an 80-yard TD. The pass was tipped by linebacker Jonathan Cornell, but it bounced right into Hunter’s hands who was able to take it to the end zone for an early 7-0 lead with 12:27 left in the first.
Ole Miss gets the ball back at its own 28 and gets a 6 yard gain from Enrique Davis on the first play before calling a timeout. Rebels stopped on third down when Masoli was sacked. Vols have the ball back and just got a pass interference penalty for a first down.
UT advances to Ole Miss 36 before having to punt, which was just 12 yards. Rebels start their third drive on the UT 31 with 6:54 left in the quarter.
Vols go up 14-0 with 3:53 left when Bray hits Denarius Moore for a 17-yard TD catch. The drive lasted only three plays and covered 68 yards in just 1:18.
Masoli intercepted by cornerback Eric Gordon, who returns the pick 46 yards for a touchdown to put UT ahead 21-0.
Rebels end the quarter when the ball at the UT 17. Masoli picked up the Rebels’ first third conversion on a 17-yard run, while Enrique Davis has back-to-back 8 yard runs.
SECOND QUARTER
Rebels start second 15 minute period on a good note with a 17-yard TD run from Brandon Bolden. The run capped a seven-play, 72-yard drive that lasted 2:28. All the plays were rushes. UT now leads 21-7.
Ole Miss holds UT on its first drive of the quarter despite giving up a lengthy return on the kickoff. The Rebels regain possession at their own 17 with 13:30 left.
Following a 23-yard TD throw from Bray to Joseph Hunter, the Rebels cut the Volunteers’ lead in half with a 2-yard TD run from Brandon Bolden. His run capped a four-play, 59-yard scoring drive. Vols get the ball back up 28-14 at their own 40 with 1:54 left before the half.
Vols go ahead 31-14 on a 43-yard field goal by Daniel Lincoln. Rebels are unable to do anything with the ball on their final drive of the half. Stats coming up for both teams.
Rebels total 228 yards in the first half, UT had 272. Bray was 13-for-24 for 265 yards and three scores.
THIRD QUARTER
Rebels about to kickoff to UT to start action. Rebels hold UT on their first drive. First drive for Rebels to start at their 5.
Masoli throws an interception that is returned 10 yards for a touchdown. It’s his second int returned for a score today. Rebels trail 38-14.
Vols score again with a 36-yard run by Tauren Poole. His run capped a six-play, 63-yard drive. UT leads 45-14.
FOURTH QUARTER
Rebs unable to score in 3rd. Facing a fourth and 22 situation coming out of the changeover. Rebels unable to convert on throw from Nathan Stanley to Melvin Harris. Vols get the ball back at their 12.
Rebels get the ball back after forcing a three-and-out. New drive starts at 35 for Rebels.
Vols score again on 36-yard run by Tauren Poole to go up 52-14. Worst loss in Houton Nutt Era.
Final stats from the game: 295 total yards, 227 on the ground. Bolden rushed 12 times for 113 yards and both touchdowns. Masoli was 7-for-18 for 80 yards and three interceptions. The Rebels turned the ball over five times compared to no turnovers for the Volunteers.
Bray finished the day 18-for-34 for 323 yards and three scores, Poole rushed 12 times for 107 yards and two scores and UT totaled 441 yards on the afternoon. (November 13, 2010)
