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Ole Miss Football: How To Make The Grove Bowl A Success On The Field

By K. L. Williams

Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze talks with quarterback Shea Patterson (20) during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze talks with quarterback Shea Patterson (20) during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) carries the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (27) during the first half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) carries the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels defensive end Marquis Haynes (27) during the first half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Longo’s Offense

The Ole Miss Rebels had record breaking offensive numbers under former offensive coordinator Dan Werner. So his departure, had many Rebel fan’s wondering how the offense would change for the following season? In comes Phil Longo.

Longo was the former offensive coordinator for FCS school Sam Houston St. Many fans have questioned whether his offense will be transferable to the SEC. Saturday will be the first time to see this offense in action.

Sure, we will not see the full offense at 100 percent. However, we should see a good sampling of what will be in store for us during the 2017 season. Reports from spring practice have been positive. Fans want to see cohesiveness with the new offense. They want the offense to at least be as effective as it has always been. Any step back will be seen as a failure.

McGriff’s Defense

He is known by those who have played under him simply as “Crime Dawg”. However, defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff brings more to Ole Miss than just a catchy nickname. Crime Dawg brings an energy and physicality to the practice which is reminiscent of the old “landshark” defense.

This defense was in need of energy. Watching the Rebels play during the 2016 season did not mirror the defense that once caused teams to fear us. Ole Miss could not stop teams from putting up points in the second half. Therefore, the Rebels lost a few games due to second half collapses. McGriff hopes to end those nightmare finishes.

Saturday, during the Grove Bowl, Rebels fans want to see improvement on that side of the ball. They want to see energy and crisp tackling. We know the change will not be immediate, however, Rebel fans expect to see a step in the right direction.

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