Rebels still in search of complete game despite lopsided win

NEW ORLEANS — Hugh Freeze’s goal of seeing his team play a complete game, with improved consistency, didn’t materialize quite like he was hoping Saturday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Ole Miss’ defense was much improved against Tulane in the 39-0 win but the offense sputtered outside of the first quarter and produced three fumbles that thwarted potential scoring opportunities.

Offensive coordinator Dan Werner said the fumbles, specifically those made by quarterback Bo Wallace, have to disappear with No. 1 Alabama up next. (September 24, 2012, Page 1B)

No case of the Mondays: Freeze excited for what’s next

When Hugh Freeze walked into the IPF’s team meeting room Monday something seemed different.

For months, a lot has been said, both within those walls and on the practice field, regarding the state of the Ole Miss football team. But, more often than not, the question-and-answer sessions have only involved Ole Miss: How was practice? Or the latest scrimmage?

Wearing a button-down shirt and a sports coat, accented by an “Ole Miss” script lapel pin, Freeze was introduced — not that it was really needed — to the media in attendance as “the head football coach of the Ole Miss Rebels” for the first time with an actual game on the horizon. (August 28, 2012, Page 6)

McGriff likes where CBs are heading into year

If Ole Miss’ cornerbacks continue to perform as well as they have in practice, considering the inexperience and time missed by a few, then position coach Wesley McGriff seems to think the the unit will be able to hold its own. (August 23, 2012, Page 6)

DE Ward makes first appearance at practice

Being the new guy is almost never easy, both in school and on the football field.

Recently cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse, former Aberdeen standout and Under Armour All-American Channing Ward participated in his first Ole Miss practice Tuesday. (more…) (August 22, 2012, Page 6)

Offense shows improvement in latest scrimmage

Ole Miss’ final scrimmage before the season opener Sept. 1 featured an improved offensive attack led by the running of freshmen backs I’Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. First-year coach Hugh Freeze said following the annual Meet the Rebels scrimmage that Mathers, who finished with 100 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries, and Walton, who had 42 yards on eight carries, had been steady, if not spectacular, during summer camp. (August 20, 2012, Page 1B)

Mathews seeing renewed camaraderie

This summer there has been a lot of emphasis put on coming together as a team for the Ole Miss football squad.

When discussing the pitfalls and woes of last season’s four-win campaign, players bring up a lack of camaraderie and leadership.

That won’t be the case this season, at least if the players have learned from last year. (July 18, 2011, Page 6)

Rebels’ D takes a toll on quarterbacks

Ole Miss’ football practice on Tuesday was one dominated by the defense and the rain. Shortly after the punting and place-kicking work was completed, heavy rain and wind forced the action inside. Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt said the offense and defense ran 80 plays and did everything but tackle to the ground.

The Rebel defense, led by players such as defensive end Kentrell Lockett, forced several mistakes by quarterbacks Nathan Stanley, Jeremiah Masoli and Randall Mackey during the practice. (August 18, 2010, Page 8)

Harris, Davis perform well for Rebels

All eyes were on the quarterback competition during Ole Miss’ first full scrimmage of the preseason Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

While all three signal callers did their best to prove why each deserves to start, it was running back Enrique Davis and receiver Melvin Harris who may have left the biggest impressions with onlookers.

Davis broke free for a 56-yard touchdown on the eighth play of the scrimmage to make a case why he should remain in the conversation as a front-line running back in the Ole Miss offense. (August 16, 2010, Page 6)

Rebels rumble with full pads on

Ole Miss wore full pads for the first time during the preseason Thursday and the offensive line took full advantage of the additional protection.

Coach Houston Nutt said he was proud of how his first team offensive line, specifically Alex Washington, Bradley Sowell, A.J. Hawkins and Rishaw Johnson, stepped up. (August 13, 2010, Page 6A)

Observations from practice No. 5

Ole Miss wore full pads for the first time during the preseason today and the offensive line took full advantage of the additional protection.

(more…) (August 12, 2010)