2
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
LIVE MUSIC
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
FRIDAY NIGHT NEW ERA SATURDAY AFTERNOON: EDDIE L. SMITH
1006 JACKSON AVE, OXFORD, MS / 662-234-5757 (above the Corner Bar)
SATURDAY NIGHT: SUPER T
M O N - W E D O PE N AT 5P M / T H U R S - S AT O PE N AT 11:30 F O R LU N C H / S U N D AY 11-9P M
www.oxfordeagle.com
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
Best-, worst-case scenarios for Ole Miss
O
le Miss was such a tease last season. The Rebels were expected to be improved, and they were. But a 7-0 start, which included an upset of then-No. 1 Alabama and a rather easy win at Texas A&M, had not just fans buzzing but the entire college football world about what Hugh Freeze was doing in his third year in Oxford. Turns out some of that excitement was premature. Ole Miss stubbed its toe for the first time at LSU in the last week of October, and by now you know how things went from there. The Rebels were way ahead of schedule, being relevant in the national title hunt at one point, but losing four of their last six showed they still hadn’t arrived. So what does Ole Miss do for an encore?
From what little us media folks have seen during the Rebels’ fall practices — and more by how Ole Miss’ coaches glow Davis when talking otter P to us about the Sports Editor defense — Ole Miss should once again be among the nation’s best at keeping teams out of the end zone. But there are obvious questions on offense that really can’t be answered until the Rebels line up and play someone their own size. The hard truth is that this is the Southeastern Conference. Hopes among a fan base can be quickly dashed or teams can be better than the preseason prog-
nostications. You have an idea of how things will go based on talent — more specifically, experienced talent — but in this league, you don’t ever really know. Here’s a look at what I think is the best Ole Miss can do this season, the worst it’ll do, and what I actually think will happen.
Best-case scenario
The improved depth along the defensive line and in the secondary help Ole Miss repeat as the nation’s top scoring defense, quarterback Chad Kelly turns out to be an improvement in the decision-making department over Bo Wallace and is the perfect fit in Freeze’s hurry-up offense with his combination of arm strength and mobility. See SCENARIOS on Page 15
GO REBS! Voted Oxford’s Favorite Wine and Spirits Store
PACKAGE STORE
Alumna Owned 308 Jackson Ave. E. • 662-234-3331 10 A.M. - 10 P.M., Monday - Saturday
Carter’s
GroCery
Wishing the Rebels Good Luck Mon. - Sat. 7:00 am - 7:00 pm • Sun. 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Will be closed every third Sunday 73 First Street, Taylor, MS 38673 • 662-832-8847 • 601-504-1541
3
UT-Martin at Ole Miss Rank: NR Record: 0-0 (0-0 OVC)
Rank: 17 AP, 15 coaches Record: 0-0 (0-0 SEC)
All-time series: This is the first-ever meeting between Ole Miss and UT-Martin, a Football Championship Subdivision opponent. Where: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium When: Saturday, 11 a.m. TV: SEC Network (alternate channel) Radio: Ole Miss Radio Network (93.7 FM) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 4 — Ole Miss not overlooking Skyhawks in opener Page 5 — Rosters Page 6 — KNOW YOUR OPPONENT: UT-Martin Page 7 — Shepard ‘free’ to enjoy playing football Page 8 — Healthy Treadwell ready to take the field again Page 9 — Conyers, Still prepare to anchor Rebels’ OL Page 10 — Ole Miss taking wait-and-see approach with Johnson at LB Page 13 — THE RECRUITING FILE: A.J. Brown
Thanks for voting us Best of Oxford 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015!
& LIMO SERVICE
®
We are locally owned & operated. Call to schedule your excursion to Memphis, Tunica or Oxford • Open 24-7 • Radio Dispatched • Ask about our specials Please Don’t Drink & Drive. Call YOU ARE SAFE IN OUR HANDS
(662) 715-9382
Vickie M. Cook, CPA Melissa A. Swetland, CPA
2409 South Lamar Blvd. • Oxford, Mississippi Phone: 662-236-1711 • Fax: 662-236-6546
www.swetlandcook.com
4
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
www.oxfordeagle.com
Ole Miss not overlooking Skyhawks in opener By Davis Potter Sports Editor
The odds are heavily in Ole Miss’ favor. The 17th-ranked Rebels will open the season against UT-Martin Saturday at VaughtHemingway Stadium. The Skyhawks are a member of the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-AA. It’s the kind of opponent that usually trades a beatdown from a Football Bowl Subdivision team for a fat check made out to its small-budget athletic department. UT-Martin, which finished 6-6 a season ago in the Ohio Valley Conference, is 1-18 all-time against FBS opponents
and 0-5 against the Southeastern Conference. But Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze and his team have watched film of both games UT-Martin played against SEC teams last season and saw the outmatched Skyhawks give Mississippi State and Kentucky fits for a half until the size, strength and depth allowed both teams to pull away in the second half. “In both the Kentucky and State games, for two and a half quarters, they did some really good things that caused some negative plays and got you behind the chains,” Freeze said. “We’re certainly preparing for it. That doesn’t mean they won’t make us look bad at times because they do have a good system.” There’s also some familiarity
between the two coaches. Freeze and UT-Martin coach Jason Simpson worked some Fellowship of Christian Athletes Black Mountain coaches camps together when Freeze was the head coach at Lambuth in 20082009. One thing Freeze knows about Simpson’s teams is their propensity to keep defenses guessing. Despite the blowout losses to Kentucky and Mississippi State a season ago, UT-Martin moved the ball, accumulating 367 yards of offense against the Bulldogs and 398 against the Wildcats. The Skyhawks also had more first downs in both games. “He coaches a very balanced football team,” Freeze said. See SKYHAWKS on Page 11
NATHAN MORGAN/UT-MARTIN MEDIA RELATIONS
Senior quarterback Jarod Neal leads the controls of a balanced UT-Martin offense.
Vincent Boot & Shoe More Than Just a Shoe Store
662-234-8383 • Oxford, Mississippi 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The best place to find your favorite brands without the hassle of the Square! 2008 University Avenue (Across from Kroger) • 234-1876
Mon. - Sat. 10am - 6pm • www.theworkingmanstore.com
New Antique Mall Located at the Corner of Molly Barr Road & North Lamar
Weekly Drawings for $100 in Store Credit
www.oxfordeagle.com
No. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 16 17 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 24 25 26 26 27 27 28 29 29 30 31 31 32 33 33 34 35 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 47 48 50 52 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 63 64 67 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 80 81 82 83 84 85 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 91 92 93 93 94 94 97 98 99
Name Tony Bridges Laquon Treadwell DeVante Kincade Tee Shepard C.J. Hampton Damore’ea Stringfellow Denzel Nkemdiche DaMarkus Lodge Robert Nkemdiche Jaylen Walton Trae Elston Jason Pellerin Quincy Adeboyejo Chief Brown Ryan Buchanan Breeland Speaks C.J. Johnson Chad Kelly Will Easter Markell Pack Channing Ward Tony Conner Van Jefferson Eugene Brazley Kailo Moore Victor Evans Jeremy Liggins Kendarius Webster Drew Davis Jalen Julius Collins Moore Evan Engram Derrick Jones Christian Russell Terry Caldwell Akeem Judd Ray Ray Smith Jordan Wilkins Carlos Davis Tayler Polk Johnathan Rattliffe Eric Swinney Montrell Custis Quintavius Burdette C.J. Moore Marquis Haynes Cale Luke Cameron Ordway Brandon Bell Armani Linton A.J. Moore Justin Anderson DeMarquis Gates Temario Strong Nathan Vanderburg John-Patrick Sherling Shawn Curtis D.K. Buford Josh Johnson Zedrick Woods Luke Davis Mike Hilton Martin Johnson Antwain Smith Garrald McDowell Ty Quick John Youngblood Jack Raborn Sean Rawlings Michael Howard Austrian Robinson Will Few Sam Johnson Tyler Putnam Woodrow Hamilton Chadwick Lamar Michael Taylor Jacob Freely Ben Still Alex Givens Justin Bell Jordan Sims Christian Morris Aaron Morris Rod Taylor Fahn Cooper Robert Conyers Daronte Bouldin Talbot Buys Laremy Tunsil Javon Patterson Willie Hibbler Elliot Markuson Trey Bledsoe Dylan Dyer Dillon Barrett Hunter Thurley Dawson Knox Alex Weber Jordan Gallegos Matt Brown Cody Core Taz Zettergren Fadol Brown Ross Donelly Nathan Noble Andy Pappanastos Tyler Jackson D.J. Jones Will Gleeson Issac Gross Gary Wunderlich Grant Warren Herbert Moore
Ole Miss Rebels Pos. Height/Weight DB 6-0/183 WR 6-2/210 QB 6-0/184 DB 6-1/195 DB 6-0/179 WR 6-3/220 LB 5-11/208 WR 6-2/190 DT 6-4/296 RB 5-8/172 DB 5-11/195 QB 6-4/229 WR 6-3/195 DB 6-1/200 QB 6-3/218 DL 6-3/313 LB 6-2/225 QB 6-2/215 WR 6-0/180 WR 6-2/193 DE 6-4/279 DB 6-0/215 WR 6-2/181 RB 5-9/189 DB 5-10/195 DE 6-3/238 TE/OL 6-3/302 DB 5-11/180 QB 6-1/208 DB 6-0/180 WR 6-1/201 TE 6-3/227 WR 6-2/189 LB 6-0/232 LB 6-1/216 RB 5-11/222 LB 6-2/213 RB 6-1/214 DB 5-8/171 LB 5-11/212 DB 5-9/177 RB 5-9/197 DB 6-0/174 WR 5-11/186 DB 5-11/190 DE 6-3/220 WR 6-1/200 DB 5-11/174 WR 6-0/214 DB 6-2/206 DB 6-0/199 DB 5-9/184 LB 6-2/217 LB 6-0/233 RB 5-7/167 LB 5-11/224 LB 6-9/247 DB 5-11/221 WR 5-10/172 DB 5-11/197 LB 6-2/216 DB 5-9/184 RB 6-0/192 DB 5-9/175 DL 6-2/240 TE 6-3/257 DE 6-3/255 LB 6-1/217 OL 6-5/280 OL 6-5/232 DL 6-4/292 LS 6-3/232 OL 6-2/240 OL 6-4/300 DT 6-3/319 LS 6-1/212 LS 6-3/185 C 6-2/273 C 6-3/280 OL 6-6/293 OL 6-2/347 OL 6-4/334 OL 6-6/313 OL 6-5/313 OL 6-3/320 OL 6-5/306 OL 6-5/290 OL 6-5/327 OL 6-8/310 OL 6-5/305 OL 6-3/307 TE 6-3/238 LB 6-0/235 WR 6-1/213 TE 6-4/227 TE 6-4/235 DE 6-4/232 TE 6-4/222 WR 6-1/185 WR 5-9/172 TE 6-3/257 WR 6-3/205 TE 6-3/218 DE 6-4/280 DT 6-1/309 K 6-3/224 K 5-11/194 K 5-11/185 DT 6-0/324 P 6-3/197 DT 6-1/240 K/P 6-0/188 P 6-1/201 DT 6-1/322
Yr. JR JR SO R-JR SO R-SO SR FR JR SR SR FR JR SR R-SO FR SR JR JR SO SR JR FR SO JR FR JR SO JR FR SR JR JR SR JR JR SO SO JR SO R-FR FR FR SR SO SO SO FR R-JR FR SO SO SO JR SO SO FR R-FR SO FR SO SR JR SO R-FR SO JR R-FR R-FR FR FR JR FR R-FR SR FR FR JR SR FR SR R-FR SO SR SO SR JR SO JR JR FR FR SO SO SR SR-TR JR FR R-FR JR JR SR JR JR FR JR SO JR JR SO FR SO SO SO
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
Hometown (Last School) Hattiesburg (Miss. Gulf Coast CC) Crete, Ill. Dallas Fresno, Calif. (Holmes CC) Meridian Perris, Calif. (Washington) Loganville, Ga. Cedar Hill, Texas Loganville, Ga. Memphis Oxford, Ala. New Iberia, La. Cedar Hill, Texas Winona Jackson Jackson Philadelphia, Miss. Buffalo, N.Y. (East Mississippi CC) Rosemary Beach, Fla. (Louisburg) Purvis Aberdeen Batesville Brentwood, Tenn. New Orleans Rosedale Dallas Oxford (Northeast Mississippi CC) Stockbridge, Ga. Bonita Springs, Fla. (Coffeeville CC) Winter Garden, Fla. Madison, Ala. Powder Springs, Ga. Eupora Fayetteville, N.C. (East Miss. CC) Wilmington, N.C. (Northwest Miss. CC) Durham, N.C. (Georgia Military) Florence, Ala. Cordova, Tenn. Birmingham, Ala. Magee Birmingham, Ala. Riverdale, Ga. Jonesboro, Ga. Senatobia Bassfield Jacksonville, Fla. (Fork Union Military) Clinton Pulaski, Tenn. Columbus (East Miss. CC) Walnut Bassfield Houston, Texas Hampton, Ga. Batesville Olive Branch Fairhope, Ala. Doral, Fla. Oxford Belden Lake City, Fla. Trussville, Ala. Fayetteville, Ga. Preston (East Central CC) Southaven Covington, La. Terry Trussville, Ala. Advance, NC Madison Green Cove Springs, Fla. New York Augusta, Ga. Nashville, Tenn. Olive Branch Raleigh Oxford Jackson, Tenn. Picayune (East Miss. CC) Memphis Nashville, Tenn. Jackson Homewood, Ala. Memphis (UCLA) Jackson Jackson Crystal Lake, Ill. (College of DuPage) Miami, Fla. Canton Vicksburg (Holmes CC) Lake City, Fla. Petal Sardis Oxford Grenada Flora (Holmes CC) Dry Prong, La. (Lamar) Nashville, Tenn. (Wofford) Nashville, Tenn. Lake City, Fla. New Albany, Ohio Cordova, Tenn. Auburn, Ala. Senatobia Charleston, S.C. (FIU) Houston, Texas Greenville Montgomery, Ala. Oxford (Itawamba CC) Greenville, SC (East Miss. CC) Melbourne, Aus. Batesville Memphis Pascagoula Memphis
No. 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 40 41 41 42 43 44 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 51 54 55 56 57 58 60 62 64 65 66 67 70 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 95 97 98 99
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
UT-Martin Skyhawks
Name Najee Ray Sheldon Dawson Terrious Triplett Tae Martin Jaquille White Rakeem Battle Ty Brown Andrew Horton-Martindale Ervin Alston William Tanner Marquis Clemons Troy Cook Preston Baker Taino Fears-Perez Jarod Neal Garrett Walton Brett Thompson Colton Randolph Kyle Akin Kyle Kerrick Rodarius Houston Kahlid Hagens Rod Wright AJ Daniel Lonnie Underwood Jordan Landry Trent Garland Justin Jackson Jaimiee Bowe Ladevin Fair Walter Evans Porter Streator III Logan Burns Aaron Simms Trey Warren Chris Coleman JP Fowler Malik Harris Nick Dance Julian Thompson-Clay Wilfred Taylor Kevin Reid Brandon Anderson TJ Jefferson Kevin Prather, Jr. Landon Pitcher Garrett Wall Demonta Daniel James Cotton Justen Dubay Parrish Huddleston Caleb Counce James Ratliff Deantae Glover Chris Turner, Jr. Mitch Mersman James Gilleylen Dillon Caverly Mason Parker Tavarious Cleaves DJ Simmons Jay Murphy Jackson Reddit Zack Parker Orlandrious Booker Kenneth Crenshaw Kadarren Bond Kyle Naes Drew Allen Nick Allen Dan Jensen Alex Roberts Isaac Chapman Tyrone Patterson Robert Burleigh Jordan Murphy Austin Newsom Jackson Roberts Mark Garrett CJ McElrath Caylon Weathers Corey Rogers Chance Key Will Whitley Malcolm Faciane Jaylon Moore Tyler Eddings Ben Axline Taylor Higgason Tyler Sweeden Damani Taylor Joseph Murphy Mike Turner Keith Jones Donald Cofield, Jr. Bobby Daggett Garrett Vincent Kade Larson Jeremy Pyles
Pos. RB DB DB S DB DB RB DB LB WR S QB RB S QB QB WR TE QB WR WR S WR S RB DB RB DB RB RB DB S DB DB LB TE S LB LB LB WR DB DB LB LB TE LB TE LB P DL LB TE DL DL K LB P DL DL LB DL K LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL TE WR TE TE WR TE WR WR WR WR LB DL DE DL DL DL LS DL DL DL
Height/Weight 6-1/180 5-11/180 6-1/200 6-0/187 6-2/190 5-10/170 5-10/180 6-1/190 6-2/215 6-0/184 5-11/220 6-1/207 5-10/215 5-8/195 6-1/210 5-10/165 6-4/205 6-1/190 6-2/200 6-3/200 5-10/170 6-3/200 6-1/175 6-0/185 5-10/195 5-8/190 5-9/200 5-10/175 5-11/210 5-9/200 5-11/175 6-0/190 6-0/190 5-10/175 6-0/189 6-5/240 5-10/200 6-2/215 6-0/235 6-3/225 5-8/160 6-0/170 5-10/180 5-8/205 6-0/230 6-2/210 6-0/210 6-0/250 6-2/223 6-1/180 6-0/270 6-0/225 6-0/225 6-1/275 6-4/250 6-1/190 6-1/220 6-2/200 6-2/245 6-0/260 5-10/215 6-4/335 6-2/230 6-2/250 6-5/350 6-1/265 6-4/290 6-4/295 6-4/320 6-5/275 6-4/305 6-5/270 6-4/325 6-3/320 6-5/305 6-3/280 6-5/325 6-7/300 6-5/350 6-2/225 6-4/207 6-4/310 6-5/225 6-3/187 6-4/250 6-2/180 5-10/180 6-3/195 6-1/195 6-3/235 6-2/300 6-2/260 6-4/225 6-1/300 6-3/300 5-10/225 6-0/230 6-3/275 6-4/220
Yr. R-JR R-JR R-SR R-SO SR SO SO R-FR JR R-SR R-SR R-SO JR R-SR R-SR FR R-SO R-FR FR R-JR SR R-SO R-SR FR FR SR R-SR R-SO FR R-JR R-SR R-FR R-FR R-SR R-SO R-JR R-SO FR R-SR R-FR FR R-FR FR FR FR FR R-FR R-SO R-SO R-FR SR R-JR R-SR SR FR R-SO R-FR FR FR SO R-SO SO R-SR FR JR R-JR R-SO R-FR R-FR R-FR JR R-SO FR JR R-SO R-SR FR R-SR R-FR R-FR R-SO R-SR FR R-SO R-SR FR R-FR R-JR SR R-JR R-JR FR R-FR R-JR FR JR R-SR R-SO SR
5
Hometown (Last School) Paris, Tenn. Memphis (Georgia) Memphis (Holmes CC) Murfreesboro, Tenn. West Point (Northeast MS CC) Lake City, Fla. (Southwest MS CC) Martin, Tenn. Antioch, Tenn. Jacksonville, Fla. (UAB) Nashville, Tenn. (Kentucky) St. Louis Miami (Florida St.) Starkville (East MS CC) Knoxville, Tenn. Hendersonville, Tenn. Union City, Tenn. Olive Branch (Northeast MS CC) Paris, Tenn. Jackson, Tenn. Coatesville, Pa. (Michigan St.) Anniston, Ala. (UAB) Maplewood, Mo. Memphis Columbia, Tenn. Lake City, Fla. Tucker, Ga. Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Johns Creek, Ga. Spartanburg, SC Troy, Tenn. Memphis Nashville, Tenn. Nashville, Tenn. Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Marietta, Ga. Brighton, Tenn. South Fulton, Tenn. Nashville, Tenn. Nashville, Tenn. (Western Michigan) Clarksville, Tenn. Daytona Beach, Fla. Clarksville, Tenn. Frisco, Texas Nashville, Tenn. Murfreesboro, Tenn. Martin, Tenn. Fairview, Tenn. Dickson, Tenn. (Memphis) Belleville, Ill. Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Dorsey (UAB) Paris, Tenn. Memphis Murfreesboro, Tenn. Memphis (KIPP Collegiate) Dickson, Tenn. Tupelo Paris, Tenn. Union City, Tenn. Memphis Rogersville, Ala. Lewisburg, Tenn. Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Union City, Tenn. Lambert (Hinds CC) Stone Mountain, Ga. Brownsville, Tenn. Bartlett, Tenn. Freeburg, Ill. Belleville, Ill. Wamego, Kan. (Butler CC) St. Louis Clinton, Tenn. Gautier (Jones Co. JC) Jackson, Tenn. Camden, Tenn. White Bluff, Tenn. St. Louis Selma, Ala. Decaturville, Tenn. Germantown, Tenn. Winchester, Ky. Brilliant, Ala. Memphis Picayune (Alabama) Memphis Shelbyville, Tenn. Shelbyville, Ky. Petal (Jones Co. JC) Louisville, Ky. Martin, Tenn. Birmingham, Ala. Cordova, Tenn. Florissant, Mo. Memphis Pascagoula (Pearl River CC) Martin, Tenn. Louisburg, Kan. Oxford, Ala.
6
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT: UT-MARTIN Head coach: Jason Simpson (10th season at UT-Martin; 58-45) Last year’s results: 6-6 (lost to Kentucky 59-14, lost to Central Arkansas 26-24, beat Cumberland 63-7, lost to Eastern Kentucky 49-24, lost to Southeast Missouri 31-27, lost to Jacksonville State 38-14, beat Tennessee Tech 17-10, beat Tennessee State 21-16, beat Austin Peay 37-7, beat Murray State 62-38, lost to Mississippi State 45-16, beat Eastern Illinois 37-16) Last meeting: This is the first meeting ever between the teams. Half and half: You don’t normally hear FBS coaches go on and on about FCS teams they’re about to face, but Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze made a point during his press conference Monday to praise the Skyhawks’ offense and the balance with which it operates. UT-Martin ran for 215 yards a game and threw for 212 per game last season, which
• Roofing • Additions
• Home Repairs • Porches and Decks
LICENSED & BONDED
helped the Skyhawks win five of their last six games after a 1-5 start. Quarterback Jarod Neal is back for his final season as the starter after completing nearly 64 percent of his passes for 1,880 yards and 14 touchdowns Davis as a junior. Senior Trent Potter Garland (486 yards) is the Sports Editor Skyhawks’ leading returning rusher while senior William Tanner is back at receiver after posting a team-best 527 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Dancing in the middle: UT-Martin returns one of its top defenders in middle linebacker Nick Dance, a USA College Football preseason All-American. The 5-foot-11, 235-pound Dance was the Skyhawks’ fifth-leading tackler last season with 56 tackles in his first season with UT-Martin after transferring from
• Concrete: Drive, Patios
• Residential Remodeling
511 Wedgewood Drive • Oxford, MS 38655
ALLEN KNIGHT Owner / Contractor
Phone/Cell: (662) 645-0193 •Email: knightf150@hotmail.com
Western Michigan. He also had five tackles for loss and three sacks on his way to earning Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer honors and will be moved all over the field in the Skyhawks’ 3-3-5 defense as they try to disguise the pressures they want to send Ole Miss’ way. Seasoned vets: Neal and Dance are part of a veteran-laden Skyhawk squad that’s played a lot of football at the collegiate level. They are two of 24 seniors for UT-Martin, which has 13 starters returning (six on offense, seven on defense). UT-Martin needs to force about 10 turnovers, commit none of its own and hope Ole Miss has too much of its attention on its trip to Alabama in a couple weeks to give itself any real hope of pulling off a shocker, but if any outmatched opponent could at least keep things close for a little while, it’s one that has this much experience that won’t be intimidated by its surroundings. —davis.potter@oxfordeagle.com
NATHAN MORGAN/UT-MARTIN MEDIA RELATIONS
Linebacker Nick Dance (35) is one of 24 seniors on an experienced UT-Martin roster.
Drop in before or after the game & try one of our locally made syrups in your specialty drink. Now featuring lemongrass & chocolate peppermint 265 N. Lamar Blvd • Oxford Square North 2311 Jackson Ave. W. • Oxford Galleria
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
7
Shepard ‘free’ to enjoy playing football By Jake Thompson Assistant Sports Editor
BRUCE NEWMAN
Cornerback Tee Shepard has dealt with injuries and a hearing impairment since signing with Ole Miss last year, but the junior is healthy and ready to contribute this fall.
It has been a long road for Tee Shepard. From being a member of the 2012 Notre Dame signing class to ending up at Holmes Community College and finding his way to Ole Miss, it’s a journey that the Fresno, California, native is happy to have completed. “I feel free,” Shepard said smiling. “All the search is over with. I don’t have to worry about that any more. I’m here to move on and move forward, and I’m looking forward to playing.” Shepard signed with the Rebels last year, but an abrupt injury where he tore a tendon in his toe early in fall camp sidelined the junior cornerback for the 2014 campaign. He
had to watch Ole Miss’ historic run to the top of the college football mountain from the sideline. There was not any frustration on Shepard’s part as he found the positive in an otherwise negative situation. “I’m not going to say I’m glad I got hurt last year, but over the year, I’ve gotten stronger, faster.” Shepard said. “I got myself (understanding) the defensive plays. I’m a whole different player from what I used to be. I’m very excited.” Only participating in the first week or so of fall camp last season meant that Shepard was going through his first full preseason camp with the Rebels this year. It would be understandable if this year’s camp was much more difficult for Shepard as opposed to last season’s abbreviated camp. That could not have been further from
the truth. “Last year’s camp, it was harder than this year,” Shepard said. “This year, because I figured I know everything going on and by me being stronger and faster, it was more easy for me, not to compete, but it was easier for me to get through camp.” Besides overcome the obstacles of recovering from an injury, Shepard also has overcome being partially deaf, having trouble with low sound frequency. Football is a sport that relies heavily on communication at a breakneck speed with coaches on the sideline and teammates on the field. With less than 20 seconds sometimes for Shepard to figure out what play was called, it was something he had to adapt to early on. See SHEPARD on Page 12
8
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
Healthy Treadwell ready to take the field again “It will be very gratifying to see him back on the field,” Freeze said. “We haven’t tackled him to the ground yet. So in a strange kind of way, I look forward to seeing him get tackled. Maybe he won’t. But I look forward to us throwing it to him for the first time, taking a hit, going to the ground and then bouncing back up and lining up for the next play. I think that will bring a weird kind of smile to my face. I’ll know that he’s back.”
Star wideout set to make return 10 months after injury By Jake Thompson Assistant Sports Editor
It was a night Laquon Treadwell will not forget for some time — and a night the fans inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will not soon forget either. Late in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss was marching down the field and looking to retake the lead over Auburn in what had been a back-and-forth affair. Bo Wallace hit Treadwell on a screen for what was seemingly the go-ahead score. What transpired after altered the remainder of the Rebels’ season. Treadwell went down in a heap, though at first glance appeared to have crossed the goal line and scored a touchdown. He was tackled from behind, causing him to fumble the ball inside the 1-yard line, leading to Auburn recovering it. That was not the worst part of the outcome as Treadwell’s leg rolled in a manner a leg is never meant to be rolled, breaking it and ending his season. Fast forward 10 months later, and Treadwell is healthy and ready to take the field Saturday against UT-Martin. It will be the first time Treadwell has stepped onto a football field competitively since that November night. “It’ll be fun,” Treadwell said. “I’m ready to score again and just ready to feel the atmosphere all over again.” Treadwell has not grown tired of answering questions during fall camp about his recovery and playing football again as he knows it “comes with it and part of the recovery process.” One thing he may have grown tired of is playing against his
Slimming down
BRUCE NEWMAN
A lighter Laquon Treadwell will play in his first game Saturday since breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle against Auburn back in November.
own teammates for the past three weeks instead of playing against opposing defenders and showcasing what everyone knows he is capable of doing on the field. “I think the team is very excited,” Treadwell said. “We’ve got
a lot to prove this year. I think we’re all just ready to play with each other and be done competing against each other.” One thing head coach Hugh Freeze mandated during fall camp was there would be less full
contact and tackling. The lack of physicality means Treadwell has not been taken to the ground at game speed, which means his surgically repaired leg will get its first endurance test Saturday against the Skyhawks.
The injury caused Treadwell to slim up and shed some pounds during the recovery process. Teammates took notice and feel that has made Treadwell even more dangerous of a threat than he was before he got hurt. “He’s a 100 percent back,” cornerback Tee Shepard said of Treadwell. “He’s a beast as everybody knows. He’s different from any other wide receiver I’ve gone up against. Just the techniques by himself is phenomenal. … He’s gotten faster, which is kind of scary. By him being faster and better technique, I can’t wait to see Laquon myself.” Shepard has gotten a close-up view of the new and improved Treadwell as the two faced off multiple times during fall camp. Treadwell worked his way up the ranks of the Ole Miss defensive backs. As he healed and improved, so did the competition across from him. “For me coming back and trying to be physical and having been hit, (the cornerbacks) help me,” Treadwell said. “Kendarius Webster, he started on me at the beginning of camp. As I got better and better, Tee moved over and Tony (Bridges), the bigger corners. It’s all been a process, and I loved it.” —jake.thompson@oxfordeagle.com
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
9
Conyers, Still prepare to anchor Rebels’ offensive line center it’s all based on me and how fast I go.” Conyers and Still are close, which has made it a friendly competition for the starting job. Conyers is still able to compete at right tackle, where he originally started, which gives versatiliBy Jake Thompson ty to an offensive line that has usually Assistant Sports Editor been one injury away from a complete The Ole Miss offensive line was in reshuffle. “It’s kind of 1A, 1B. It’s not that big flux last season, at least at the center position. With added depth along the of a separation between them,” Freeze rest of the line, it has stabilized for said of the competition. “(Conyers) is the most part, though there will still just a little longer and seems to have be two guys snapping the ball to the separated himself just a little. But man, we need them both for sure.” quarterback. Being in a rotation But they are the where he may not see same two as last year, “It’s kind of 1A, 1B. action in consecutive and one is in line to It’s not that big drives depending on handle it the majority game situations has of a separation of the time. nagged at Conyers at Junior Robert between them.” times. The competitor Conyers is listed as the starting center — head coach hugh Freeze in him wants to be on the field every snap for the Rebels with on competition at center whether he’s the one senior Ben Still right snapping the ball or behind him. They are getting ready to block a defensive end, the same two who manned the rotating door that was the center position though he would prefer sticking to one last year. With a season of experience position. “I struggled in a couple games last under their belt, the confidence level year,” Conyers said. “Like Auburn, I is higher. don’t think I was prepared for that “I’m starting to mold a lot more and getting a lot better at it now that I’ve one. I’ve got to be more mentally had a whole camp (of playing center)” prepared. … It’s frustrating sometimes. You get caught up in the rotation and Conyers said. It was an adjustment for the 6-foot-5, you’re just sitting there and you really 290-pound lineman to learn a com- want to be in the game. It doesn’t matpletely new position in an offense that ter where at. It’s not a pride thing, it’s does not allow much down time in just frustrating.” When it comes to the competition between snaps if it’s running on schedto being the starting center affecting ule. Conyers, who rotated between the friendship between Conyers and center and tackle a season ago, has Still off the field, it is a non-issue for also had to get comfortable being the the two. one giving the orders to the rest of the “It doesn’t ever come up,” Conyers linemen instead of following them. said. “We get asked that all the time, “Just pushing the tempo. I’ve got to and it’s nothing but love for each be the one to get my hand on the ball other. We’re friends more than we are and get it set and get everybody right,” anything else. Nothing comes between Conyers said. “We’re going fast, and I’ve got to get those guards, tell them us, nothing comes between us and what do and get them right. So that’s Justin (Bell) and Rod (Taylor). It’s whothe hardest thing. At tackle, you’re not ever helps win the game.” —jake.thompson@oxfordeagle.com too worried about making calls, but at
Centers keep things friendly off field, competitive on it
PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN
Junior Robert Conyers (above) and senior Ben Still (left) have been locked in a heated battle at center throughout fall camp, though the competition hasn’t gotten in the way of their friendship off the field. Conyers had the slight edge in camp and will start Saturday’s opener, but Still will rotate in as the Rebels will “need them both for sure,” head coach Hugh Freeze said.
10
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
www.oxfordeagle.com
Ole Miss taking wait-and-see approach with Johnson at LB By Davis Potter Sports Editor
C.J. Johnson is going to make a smooth transition to his new position this fall. At least that’s what coaches think. Johnson has moved from defensive end to middle linebacker for his senior season, a position he hasn’t played full-time since he was in high school. Johnson played there some as a freshman in 2011 before moving to the line. Playing in the middle is an important task for any defender. As the quarterback of the defense, the middle linebacker is responsible for making the play call before the ball is snapped, getting everybody else lined up and then making checks on the fly should an offense motion or make any other subtle pre-snap
changes before it’s too late. Coaches don’t worry about the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Johnson bringing physicality to the position, and based on what they’ve seen during fall camp, he’s handling the mental part of the game as well as can be expected for a player that’s still trying to brush off some of the rust. But doing it in practice is one thing. How Johnson responds when the competition starts for real is another. Coaches are eager to find out. “I don’t think we can tell that until we play and you start throwing different recognition sets at him and motions and all the things that middle linebacker is going to have to get set,” head coach Hugh Freeze said. “I just don’t think we’ll be able to say.” What Freeze does know is he’s got a linebacker than can get to the quarterback. Johnson recorded 38
tackles and four sacks last season and recorded 6.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2012. Johnson’s junior season was cut short after having surgery on his ankle, and he was granted a medical redshirt to get the year back. He’ll move back to end at times to use his pass-rushing skills in certain packages. “I know he’s extremely good when you blitz him, and I’m not sure exactly what he’s going to be when we just line up and play base,” Freeze said. “We’re going to have to find that out.” Johnson’s healthy and a little lighter than the 230 pounds he’s carried around in the past. Johnson said he’s worked to get “more lean” while making sure he maintains the strength he needs to play in the middle of an SEC defense. See JOHNSON on Page 14
Oxford’s Top Real Estate Agency Congratulates
Tina Montgomery Voted North Central Mississippi Realtor of the Year for 2015
BRUCE NEWMAN
Ole Miss senior C.J. Johnson will get his first test run back at linebacker on Saturday.
www.oxfordeagle.com
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
ready to beat up on somebody other than themselves and start fresh after losing four of their last six games a season ago. “It’s kind of our first opportunity to show what our DNA will be for this year’s team,” Freeze said. “There’s never a duplication of that regardless of how many (players) you have returning. This team is unique. The makeup of it is unique. We get to kind of see the first version of it this Saturday. “We’re tired of talking, and you’re probably tired of asking questions. It’s time for all of us to play.” —davis.potter@oxfordeagle.com
HICKORY SMOKED B-B-Q RESTAURANT & CATERING
825 College Hill Rd., Oxford 662-236-7090 • bsbbq7@att.net Serving Full Breakfast 6:00 am - 9:30 am Lunch/Dinner 9:30 am - 9:00 pm 7 Days a Week! This is the B-B-Q mentioned in “The Blind Side” as “the best B-B-Q off campus!” MCELROY RD
COLLEGE HILL RD
SAVE THE DATE
— Ole Miss cOach hugh Freeze
on Saturday’s opener against UT-Martin
16 Meats, 11 Vegetables Served Fresh Daily! Call for Catering!
GOLF CLASSIC Friday, October 2 • Country Club of Oxford 1:00 pm Shotgun Start Contact EDF Office 662-234-4651 to sign up! $5 Raffle Tickets for a Smith Wesson M&P
CMPS
• Single Malts • Tanqueray • New Amsterdam • Seagram’s • Liqueurs • Jose Cuervo • Jack Daniels
Cornell Massey Package Store 2306 S. Lamar Oxford, MS 38655 All Major Credit Cards Accepted 662-234-7217
• COMPETITIVE PRICES • • OUTSTANDING SERVICE • • EXCELLENT SELECTION • You may know one of our many loyal, satisfied customers. If not, come experience what we hope will be your favorite store. Where your business is always appreciated, and we’re always glad to see you! To find us: From Highway 6, just 2 exits east of Chucky Mullins Drive, go south on Lamar Avenue. We’re on the right after the light across from the hospital.
“An Oxford Tradition since the Repeal of Prohibition.”
• Crown Royal • Maker’s Mark • Old Charter • Wild Turkey • Evan Williams • Absolut • Pinnacle • Smirnoff
B’s
“We’re tired of talking, and you’re probably tired of asking questions. It’s time for all of us to play.”
Crown Royal • Maker’s Mark • Old Charter • Wild Turkey • Evan Williams • Absolut • Pinnacle • Smirnoff
“They, I believe, averaged 212 rushing and 214 passing last year. That’s extremely balanced. Played two SEC opponents last year and moved the ball very effectively.” Oe Miss will be breaking in a new quarterback in Chad Kelly, who, at last check, had the nod as the starter for this week at least. Sophomores Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade will also get snaps, and all three will have to be ready for a Skyhawk defense that will try to confuse them in their first extended playing time out of its 3-3-5 base set. “They know what they’re doing with their blitzes, and our quarterbacks that are in the game at that time have got to make the right decision or it could be a negative play for sure,” Freeze said. “They have a good plan and a good scheme.” Realistically, Ole Miss will have its starters out of the game by the end of the third quarter if not sooner should things go according to plan, but much like every other team in America, the Rebels are just
• Single Malts • Tanqueray • New Amsterdam • Seagram’s • Liqueurs • Jose Cuervo • Jack Daniels •
Continued from Page 4
SAVE THE DATE
Skyhawks: 1-18 all-time vs. FBS teams
11
12
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
Shepard: CB can get play calls on own Continued from Page 7 Hearing aids helped in that process. “It’s real good because last year I would have to look at the safety to give me the call. I’m so good now that when the coaches signal it out, I don’t need the safety’s help anymore,” Shepard said. “The only time I need to is if they make a different check and somebody motions or audibles a different call. That’s the only time I look at the safety. Until then, I just look at the coaches, and when they signal out the sign, I’m like, ‘I’m ready to go.’” The hearing aids were something Shepard had to make himself become comfortable wearing. He has become a mentor of sorts to children with hearing disabilities, and he spoke at the Memphis School for the Deaf during the summer. Knowing he is a role model and getting some advice from his father made him able to wear the aids without self-esteem. “Even when I was in high school at the time, I didn’t want to wear my hearing aids,” Shepard said. “I always told my
“I’m so good now that when the coaches signal it out, I don’t need the safety’s help anymore. The only time I need to is if they make a different check and somebody motions or audibles a different call. That’s the only time I look at the safety.”
Turnage Drug Store Guardian of Your Health Since 1905 Jewelry • Bridal Registry • Gifts • And More 323 N. Main St., Water Valley • 662-473-2442 Mon.-Fri. 8:00-6:00 • Sat. 8:00-3:00
— Ole Miss cOrnerback Tee shepard
on hearing aids helping get play calls
father I wanted to be a great role model for kids with disabilities. My father always put a though in my head. He was like, ‘How are you going to be a role model if you don’t wear your hearing aids? How are kids suppose to look up to you?’ It took me to my senior year (in high school) to know to really start wearing my hearing aids. Not only that, I’ve got lead by example.” —jake.thompson@oxfordeagle.com
Custom PiCture Framing and LoCaL artwork
125 Courthouse square • oxFord, mississiPPi 662.234.6641
DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES
GRAND OAKS
1081 AUGUSTA DRIVE
$569,900 | 4 BR/3.5BA | MLS#134361
L’ACADIAN
THE LAKES
801 TWIN LAKES COVE
$246,900 | 3 BR/2BA, BONUS ROOM | MLS#134141
101 L’ACADIAN
$289,900 | 3 BR/2BA, OFFICE | MLS#133943
HTTP://TINYURL.COM/HWY30EAST
HTTP://TINYURL.COM/COVEYRISE
603 HWY 30 E
COVEY RISE PLANTATION
RICK’S PLUMBING
HOLLY SPRINGS, MS
$1,775,500 • 4 BR/4.5BA | MLS#134031
We can handle all of your plumbing and electrical needs.
$3,890,000 • 930 ACRES
662-236-5985 Office 662-816-5984 Cell HWY 6 E • $199,900
11.18 ACRES | MLS#132604
LAND
ON CR 291 80 ACRES
$207,836 | MLS#133674
NOTTING HILL
HWY 6 E
$8,403,500 • 330 ACRES | MLS#134246
1 ACRE LOT CLEAR CREEK ROAD
400 NOTTING HILL
$349,900 | 3 BR/2.5 BA | MLS#132746
$20,000 | MLS#134090
Harry Alexander, ABR, GRI
Associate Broker
662-801-5621
www.HarryAlexander.com ha@harryalexander.com 662-234-5621 • 1923 University Ave., Suite 100 • Oxford, MS Each office is independently owned and operated.
214A CR 215 $111,900 3 BR/1.5BA MLS#134403
24 Hour Emergency Service Residential & Commercial Licensed, Bonded & Insured Worker’s Comp & Liability
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
THE RECRUITING FILE Ole Miss has ‘a good chance’ with Starkville standout Brown Top WR taking time to consider options By Davis Potter Sports Editor
A.J. Brown doesn’t have plans to officially visit Ole Miss any time between now and signing day. He’s not planning to check out Missisippi State on the Bulldogs’ dime either. Starkville High’s standout receiver lives “two miles” from Mississippi State’s campus, he said, and he could be in Oxford in less than two hours. Brown instead plans to use all five of the official visits the NCAA allows recruits to take during their senior
season to see schools that are farther away. Brown doesn’t have any dates set up, but he knows four of the schools that will get visits. “Alabama, Auburn, Cal and Georgia,” Brown said. But Ole Miss and Mississippi State are just as heavily involved in the 6-foot-1, 217pound wideout’s recruitment as everybody else that’s chasing him. Brown, a consensus-four star prospect considered one of the nation’s top 100 recruits, has offers from all over the Southeastern Conference, including Alabama. He’s ranked as the No. 2 receiver in Mississippi by Rivals. com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com. See BROWN on Page 14
13
A.J. BROWN
DAVIS POTTER
Starkville wideout A.J. Brown is the top receiving prospect on many college’s board, and the four-star recruit is considering Ole Miss and Mississippi State among others.
SCHOOL: Starkville POSITION: WR HEIGHT: 6-foot-1 WEIGHT: 217 pounds THE 411: The popular assumption is Brown, one of the nation’s top wideouts, will end up at his hometown school, but he insists every college recruiting him is even. Brown is planning on using his official visits on schools he can’t get to regularly, but Ole Miss and Mississippi State are heavily involved with the four-star receiver along with Alabama, Auburn and others.
VOTED 2015 BEST T-SHIRT STORE IN OXFORD
OPEN DAILY 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM SUNDAYS OF HOME FOOTBALL GAMES
14
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
Brown: Wide receiver could also play baseball in college Continued from Page 13 He went head-to-head against the state’s top wideout as ranked by those recruiting services in Oxford’s D.K. Metcalf in a nationally televised game last week, and Brown made his case for the No. 1 spot. He hauled in 16 passes for 195 yards in Starkville’s 20-7 win and has 30 receptions for 339 yards and a touchdown in his first two games. “They played man-to-man,” Brown said. “I don’t get that too often, but when they go man-to-man, we’ve just got to take advantage of it. I feel I can go against any corner in the nation man-to-man.” The popular assumption is that Brown will eventually sign with the school in his backyard. Brown understands that chatter surrounding he and Mississippi State, but he said that’s all it is. “I don’t really pay attention to it,” Brown said. “People are going to talk. People are going to say what they want
“Ole Miss, man, they make you feel at home. Colleges tell you a lot of stuff, but you go there, and they make you feel like you’re one of them already.” — Starkville Wr a.J. BroWn
on what he likes about Ole Miss
anyway.” Brown said all of the schools in his recruitment are “even” and that he’ll make his final decision on signing day. Until then, he’ll continue to hear everybody’s sales pitches. Ole Miss has made an impression with its coaches and the players the Rebels already have on board in the current class. Brown, whose lead recruiter at Ole Miss is Barney Farrar, said he hears from Ole Miss’ coaches “almost every day.” “Ole Miss, man, they make you feel at
Come see us this football season!
1529 University Avenue 662.234.2445
www.vagaro.com/healinghandstherapeuticmassage
home,” Brown said. “Colleges tell you a lot of stuff, but you go there, and they make you feel like you’re one of them already. That plays a big part in it.” Brown also wants to know he’ll have a quarterback who can get him the ball consistently on the next level. Ole Miss has a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 signal caller in Shea Patterson. Asked how serious a chance Ole Miss has in signing him, Brown said, “A good chance. They have Shea Patterson.” Brown is also a standout on the baseball field and recently played in the Under Armour All-American Game at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Brown said he’d like to play both in college, but his mind is on fine-tuning the sport that’s currently in season. “I want to perfect my craft,” Brown said. “Running routes, when I finally just meet a great (defensive back), everything’s got to be perfect.” —davis.potter@oxfordeagle.com
www.oxfordeagle.com
Johnson: Senior will play DE, too Continued from Page 10 His main focus in the offseason, though, was diving into the Rebels’ playbook. “Overall this summer just having a better understanding of our defense is something that I’ve really tried to work on,” Johnson said. It’s something defensive coordinator Dave Wommack has taken notice of during fall camp. “In the spring, when you haven’t played that spot in a while, it’s tough,” Wommack said. “He came in and looked at it, worked at it, and all of them do a good job of getting us lined up. “We’re playing him at both defensive end and linebacker. He’s doing a great job with both of them and doing a great job of leading the team.” —davis.potter@oxfordeagle.com
www.oxfordeagle.com
The OxfOrd eagle - game day
Scenarios: Offensive improvements needed for more wins More bodies to rotate along the offensive line help Ole Miss stay healthy and fresh all season. The group gets more push in the run game for a heavier set of running backs, and the Rebels finish in the top half of the SEC in rushing offense, helping take some of the pressure off Kelly. The SEC is its normal intimidating self, so nobody goes undefeated. But it all adds up to an 11-1 regular season, and a win in the SEC championship game puts the Rebels in the playoff.
piling up on the offensive line, and the defense, which is also beat up, wears down in the second half of the season because it’s on the field so much. The Rebels get shocked by Jim McElwain’s first Florida team two weeks later in the Swamp and can’t find a way to steal a win on the road anywhere in conference play. Splitting home games with Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Arkansas and LSU help the Rebels get bowl eligible at 6-6, but the athletic department will have a hard time selling tickets to the Liberty, Texas or Belk bowls.
Worst-case scenario
Likely scenario
Continued from Page 3
Kelly’s first SEC start goes horribly wrong at Alabama on Sept. 19 in a blowout loss, and things only get worse from there. Kelly isn’t what Freeze thought he’d be under center, and Ole Miss ends up playing musical chairs at the position. Ole Miss gets no continuity at quarterback, the run game remains stagnant with injuries
Ole Miss falls somewhere in the middle. Having a stout defense means the Rebels will be involved in some nailbiters against some of the league’s top teams. Ole Miss needs Kelly — or whoever’s playing quarterback at any given time — to just not screw it up, but the Rebels also need a signal caller who can go win some of those in crunch time.
Wallace did that last year against Alabama. Can Kelly or anybody else do that? It won’t always be pretty at quarterback. It rarely is for any first-year starter in this league, but Kelly’s skill set gives Ole Miss the best chance to win in this offense. Get ready for mistakes, but prepare to see some plays made from that position that haven’t been made for the Rebels in a long time. Ole Miss faltered down the stretch last year because of inconsistent quarterback play, a lack of a running game and because, frankly, some teams were better in the talent and depth departments. The Rebels are deeper, but they’re still playing catch-up with other SEC powers in some facets. This is Freeze’s best team in his short tenure, but a legit SEC contender? That depends on how Kelly and the pieces around him perform. I see Ole Miss finishing the regular season with eight or nine wins with the potential for 10. —davis.potter@oxfordeagle.com
friday, SepTember 4, 2015
15
SATURDAY’S SEC SCHEDULE Louisiana-Monroe at Georgia, 11 a.m. (SECN) UT-Martin at Ole Miss, 11 a.m. (SECN atl.) Louisville at Auburn, 2:30 p.m. (CBS) UTEP at Arkansas, 2:30 p.m. (ESPNU) Bowling Green at Tennessee, 3 p.m. (SECN) SEMO at Missouri, 3 p.m. (SECN alt.) Arizona St. vs. Texas A&M, 6 p.m. (ESPN) UL-Lafayette at Kentucky, 6 p.m. (ESPNU) New Mexico St. at Florida, 6:30 p.m. (SECN) McNeese St. at LSU, 6:30 p.m. (SECN alt.) Alabama vs. Wisconsin, 7 p.m. (ABC) Mississippi St. at Southern Miss, 9 p.m. (FS1)