The line between winning and losing in college football is extremely fine. For the Ole Miss Rebels, a team that was looking to get off to a good start following a disappointing 4-8 season in 2010, Saturday’s season opening 14-13 loss to BYU at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium boiled down to just a few plays that prevented them from earning a much-needed victory.
Mistakes cost the Rebels in last year’s season-opening loss to Jacksonville State and it was miscues at the most critical points of the game that hurt them again this year.
Carried by a much improved defensive effort through most of the game, the Rebels led BYU 13-0 with a little over 14 minutes left in the contest. That’s when the wheels fell off for the Rebels, who were outscored 14-0 by the Cougars the last 9:52 of the contest. (September 5, 2011, Page 1B)
To all the Ole Miss faithful, a huge sincere thanks for your friendliness and politeness before and after the game. All of us from BYU commented on the genuine courtesy you extended to us. You have a beautiful campus, the Grove was an incredible experience, and great people that represent your university extremely well. Thanks so much and good luck the rest of the season.
Ole Miss Fans have redefined “Sportsmanship and Class” in my world of athletics. The kindness that you extended is unmatched by any other venue that I have visited with the Cougars. A very heartfelt thank you for how my family and I were treated! You are now my second favorite CFB team! GO REBELS!!
Thank you to all of the Ole Miss fans for a great experience. Your tradition provides a rich and exciting atmosphere for game day, and the fans are the most hospitable and welcoming that I have ever met. I loved the style and excitement in the Grove, and the stadium is fantastic. Good luck the rest of the year. Also, although they looked tough last week, I HOPE YOU DESTROY LSU!!!