Beyond all the rumors, being created by TSBU about hammers for Ole Miss football, there was a Grove Bowl coached by Hugh Freeze. There was also Shea Patterson and a highly prolific receiver corp. Of course, Air20 put on a clinic as the offense gained the 31-29 win.
We all know what’s at stake for the upcoming season. Ole Miss football is facing a self-imposed bowl ban. Trust me, it has been hard to ignore what has gone on for the past four years and what is ultimately going to be penalties. However, there is a promising future alive and well in Oxford, Mississippi.
Saturday was a day of festivities, despite all which has been going on for Hugh Freeze and Co. This Grove Bowl was by far the most anticipated. Of course, we wanted to see Coach Freeze and his Rebel team shine and they did! We knew there would be questions as there are every spring game. However, there are specifics we can take away from this one.
Prolific Passing Attack
Ole Miss Rebels Football
It all begins with Shea Patterson at the QB position. Shea is a quick study and has to be as he is taking over a new Phil Longo offense. As Sean Patterson Sr told us in an earlier interview, “Shea is a perfectionist, and he will try to get better in every aspect. He will literally work on every aspect of the game; he will never stop trying to improve on everything.”
It’s obvious, he has worked hard in the 15 spring practices the Rebels had leading up to the Grove Bowl. On the day, Shea was 21 of 30 for 341 yards and 2 TDs. Of course, Shea doesn’t take all the credit. He gave his offensive line the shout-out for their efforts in the spring game.
Wide Receiver U
Shea also has what will become one of the best WR corps in the nation. These are physical receivers who can fight for yardage after catch if they have to. That was obvious Saturday as we saw several receivers break tackles and get scores.
AJ Brown would lead all receivers with 6 receptions for 133 yards and a score. Last season’s returning receiving leader, Van Jefferson would also have a huge day, hauling in 5 passes for 121 yards, including a 74 yard TD pass from Jordan Ta’amu. DK Metcalf would finish the day with 4 catches for 98 yards and a TD.
The great thing about the new Longo offense is the fact they will all get a chance to shine. As reported by The Clarion-Ledger’s Antonio Morales, offensive coordinator Phil Longo stated,
"“We’re probably going to play six to eight a game. It’s a receiver-driven system. The more we have the better.” ~Coach Phil Longo"
In total, 10 Rebels had receptions in the spring game, including running backs who were responsible for 35 yards on 5 receptions.
Balanced Offense
Coach Longo also believes in a balanced attack so we can be sure to see multiple schemes utilizing running backs within the passing game. In total, rushing was somewhat reserved in the spring practice game, putting up only 170 yards. However, that total includes sacks.
Senior Jordan Wilkins had 4 carries for 21 yards. Eugene Brazley had 7 carries for 44 yards. DK Buford saw the most touches at 16 and had 51 yards rushing. As stated before, Longo is a stickler for balance in his offense, so expect some ground and pound as the passing offense progresses.
On Defense
This was certainly an area of concern for Ole Miss football entering the Grove Bowl. Last year, we witnessed the ‘bend but not break’ defense we had grown used to seeing, broken. After injuries, there was an obvious lack of experience at both linebacker and the secondary. With new defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff, we can expect things to be better than last season. But how much better and how soon?
It obviously wasn’t at the Grove Bowl yesterday. Missed tackles, missed coverage, and inexperience against a potent offense allowed several big plays, thus resulting in points for the Rebel offense. McGriff will work to straighten out the deficiencies on defense, however, lack of experienced depth will be a specific problem as McGriff noted to The Clarion-Ledger,
"“The biggest concern is just staying healthy,” McGriff said. “That’s going to be the key to the upcoming season. How can we keep these guys healthy and go the long stretch?”"
Also, it should be noted, a number of defensive players were limited in the playing time in the Grove Bowl as they are dealing with a few injuries.
Hugh Freeze
The highlight of the day for me was seeing this man back on the Rebel sideline. He is a fighter and a winner and belongs to us. Giving all the negativity from the media across the country, it was great to finally see a smile on his face. It was great to see him back in his element during the Grove Bowl and then afterward.
The Future Is Bright
As Ole Miss football fans, we always want to have a positive outlook. Right now, the future is very bright and we are in far better shape than many SEC pundits will ever give us credit for. Of course, we are Ole Miss. We are hated by the entire college football world outside of Oxford.And of course, there are still questions.
There are questions regarding the future of the NCAA investigation and the University of Mississippi’s response to the amended notice of allegations. However, for now Rebel faithful can rest easy in knowing we have a great team and a great coaching staff, and they will be ready for this season. The season kicks-off September 2 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium as the Rebels host South Alabama.
Are You Ready?