Ole Miss Football: Position Grades Versus Memphis
I’ve witnessed many so called “rivalry” games following Ole Miss through the years. When you have a long history of playing a team you tend to develop some hard feelings when you face each other.
Every SEC game is essentially a “rivalry” now, but there are a few non-conference games that have developed some interest when the teams face off and Memphis definitely falls into that category for Ole Miss.
Most teams are hated by the fans, but Ole Miss and Memphis are seperated by only 70 miles so many players from both schools grew up in the Memphis metro area that this is a unique game for the players, more so than the fans.
I don’t have to tell you all the hard fought games through the years.
Ole Miss lost to Memphis in Eli’s senior year. A year when we only lost one SEC game all year. Ole Miss barely escaped with a 3-0 win in Memphis with Romaro and Deuce in 1999.
So, Memphis is certainly capable of getting up for Ole Miss and causing some havoc because it is so personal for both teams.
The 2014 edition of this matchup was no different as Ole Miss took the victory 24-3 in a game that was much closer than the final score. How did the Rebels grade out against the Tigers to the North?
Quarterback C
A pretty pedestrian effort from Senior Bo Wallace; finishing 22-37 with 248 yards, 2 touchdown, 2 interceptions and a fumble.
Cornerback Bobby McCain had Bo’s number by picking off two of Wallace’s passes.
There was no rhythm in the passing game in the first half. Bo was locked in on receivers, forcing the ball into coverage and just generally looked a second slow on passes and decision making.
It’s quite a change from the last 2 games where he has looked so sharp. I want to give credit to Memphis’ secondary and they certainly deserve some kudos but Wallace just simply has to play smarter.
This defense will win a lot of games if Bo will quit trying to lose them.
I can’t blame the receivers for the poor offensive output, but not many receivers got into the mix.
The Rebel receiving corp as a whole averaged 11 yards per catch but Laquon Treadwell carried the load. Treadwell only caught 5 passes but finished with 123 yards with a 24.6 yards average and 2 touchdowns (all personal game records).
Running Backs B
Good night for fans of the running game. The team finished with 178 yards. Jaylen Walton finished with 78 yards in only 10 carries.
Mark Dodson had a long 50 yards run called back due to a holding call away from the play.
I’tavius Mathers got 57 and Jordan Wilkins got 33 yards late.
Offensive Line B
The offensive line was a point of emphasis in this game, to run block and control the game. I wouldn’t say I was totally happy with the line but they got better as the game went on. They only gave up one sack and worked on run blocking most of the game.
This is the largest offensive line in the best college football conference in the nation. Are they big and strong or just big? I’m not seeing the holes opening up like you would expect.
Secondary A
Holy smokes. Has Alabama seen anything like the defensive secondary they will face next Saturday? These guys are dangerous.
Zero touchdowns against a team that was averaging 44 points a game.
88 receiving yards given up to a team that was averaging 250 per game.
Only one interception, but all night long Memphis QB Paxton Lynch was throwing the ball away. He finished with a 41% completion percentage.
Linebackers A
Deterrian Shackelford is the only two time winner of the Chucky Mullin’s award for courage and it was fitting on the night Mullins was honored with the throwback powder blue helmets.
This game was dedicated to the memory of Mullins as he was posthumously inducted into the M-Club hall of fame, so it was fitting that the player wearing #38 had the most tackles on the night as Shackelford had 8. Fellow LB Denzel Nkemdiche had 6 and is starting to play with the recklessness he did last year.
I have been waiting for these guys to really shut a team down. What better timing than to get your act together before Alabama gets to town?
Memphis prior to tonight averaged 240 yards rushing but against Ole Miss they totaled 23 yards on 31 attempts.
CJ Johnson, Marquis Haynes and Lavon Hooks all had sacks and bottled up the Tigers balanced offense.
The only chance the Tigers had to score was on Ole Miss mis-ques and even when set up in scoring position on a fumble or an interception, the Tigers were just over matched to move the ball against this OM defensive line.
Special Teams C
Youth is starting to show on this squad. Freshman Kicker Gary Wunderlich was the only player ejected for his part in the middle of an on-field brawl leaving Andrew Fletcher as the only place kicking option and he missed two 40 yarders.
Freshman punt returner Markell Pack muffed two kicks, losing possession of one.