Rebs looking to correct mistakes

Complacency and missed assignments seemed to be two of the biggest excuses given during Monday’s press conference with regards to the Rebels’ collapse against Jacksonville State on Saturday.

Several players in attendance said the team became too relaxed with its 21-point lead at half time and in doing so, “let go of the rope.”

Looking back, sophomore linebacker D.T. Shackelford said he hopes the team can learn from its mistakes moving forward. (September 8, 2010, Page 8)

Late rally lifts JSU to upset of Rebels

The shock on Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt’s face following Saturday’s loss to Jacksonville State was as apparent as the 49-48 score posted on the Jumbotron at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium following the second overtime period.

The Rebels, a team that was riding a wave of positive emotion after Friday’s announcement that quarterback Jeremiah Masoli would be allowed to play this season, have suddenly gone from a team that some thought would win eight or nine games to one that some think may finish below .500.

Losses in the season opener always hurt, but a loss to a lower division team coached by Nutt’s former employer hurt even more, especially when the Rebels led 31-13 after the third quarter and had their chances to stop the Gamecocks in both the late stages of regulation and overtime. (September 6, 2010, Page 1B)

Ole Miss D can’t make plays late

A defensive unit that had returning starters up front and at linebacker was expected to lead the Ole Miss Rebels, especially early in the season as the offense and new quarterbacks found their way.

After holding Jacksonville State’s offense to just three points — the Gamecocks touchdown in the first half was scored by the defense — and 70 yards in the opening 30 minutes of play, the Rebels defense was shredded by JSU in the second half and subsequent overtime period.

Ole Miss ended up allowing 355 total yards, 21 points in the fourth quarter and 15 points in the overtime periods, including a 30-yard touchdown pass from Coty Blanchard to Kevyn Cooper on a fourth-and-15 situation and the game-clinching two-point conversion. (September 6, 2010, Page 1B)

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)

DT Powe making a difference for Rebs

When Jerrell Powe speaks, people listen.
The Ole Miss coaching staff is hoping the Waynesboro native will be able to harness some of the respect he garners this season and help lead what some are calling one of the best defensive line units in the Southeastern Conference. (June 25, 2010, Page 6A)

Dorsey has impressed early in UM spring drills

Only four days into spring drills and junior college transfer Wayne Dorsey is already turning heads, and it’s not just because he’s 6-foot-8, 255-pounds — although that helps.

The junior defensive end from Gulf Coast Community College has been a standout on the practice field and is already playing with the first team. (April 1, 2010, Page 7)

Rebels strap on pads for Day 3

For the first time this spring the Ole Miss football Rebels strapped on their pads on Monday for Day 3 of practice.
With the Rebels still getting their feet wet after over two months away from the gridiron, errors weren’t few and far in between. (March 30, 2010, Page 9)

Rebels add 22 on National Signing Day

OLE MISS FOOTBALL — A strong final push turned into an outstanding National Signing Day for the Ole Miss football program and Houston Nutt Wednesday. Ole Miss was able to sign some important players for the 2010 class and, in the process, vault up the national recruiting rankings. The Rebels signed 22 new players in addition to two junior college players the team signed in December. (February 6, 2010, Page 6)

Rebels sign 22 players on National Signing Day

OLE MISS FOOTBALL — The Ole Miss football made a strong finish on National Signing Day, earning the signatures of 22 players. Ole Miss’ class was a consensus top 20 recruiting class by several recruiting services. (February 4, 2010, Page 6)