The Big 3 Report
by Jason “Gator” Pigott
After a successful 10-win season in 2003, the Rebels will look to Micheal Spurlock to fill the void left by the departed Eli Manning.
The junior QB from Indianola, MS will be under the microscope in front of a record setting crowd at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
(over 61,000 tickets already sold) as he makes his first start. And, as if that wasn't enough pressure, he will be up against the blitzing
defense of the Memphis Tigers under the direction of ex-Rebel head coach Joe Lee Dunn.
The Memphis Tigers come into the 2004 season with high expectations. Last year, the Tigers enjoyed their best season in four
decades and are looking to improve. They return all 11 starters on offense that features the potent combination of QB Danny
Wimprine and RB DeAngelo Williams. Wimprine passed for a mere 3,174 yards and 22 TDs in 2003. Williams led the nation
in all-purpose yards with 2,113 to go along with 13 TDs and was named C-USA's offensive player of the year.
On Saturday, the Memphis Tigers will invade “The Grove” with ideas of upsetting the Rebels for a second consecutive season.
While the focus of the Rebel Nation will be on the performance of their young QB, it's the Rebel defense that will decide the
outcome of the game. The Rebels are inexperienced up front on the defensive line and have two new starters at linebacker.
In fact, there is a good possibility that Garry Pack, a freshman LB from Oak Grove, will see significant playing time.
Gator's Take: The Rebels return four starters on the offensive line that is probably still sore about last year's 44-34 loss. The
big guys up front will take most of the pressure off their young QB. That being said, Spurlock and the Rebel offense will have
a big day in front of a capacity home crowd. The Tigers won't go quietly as each offense will light up the scoreboard like an
arena football game. In the end, the edge goes to the home team.
History will be made on Saturday as State's new head coach, Sylvester Croom will coach his first game for the maroon and
white. Croom became the SEC's first African-American coach earlier this year and has handled himself like the true
professional he is throughout all the media days and press conferences. Now it's time to step on the field for the first time
in front of the home crowd in Starkville.
The Bulldogs are thin at just about every position, but do have some talent at the skill positions. QB Omarr Conner and
RB Jerious Norwood will be called upon to carry the offense this season with not much of a supporting cast.
Defensively, the Dogs will be improved, but that isn't saying much. The lack of overall speed resulted in numerous beatings
against SEC competition last season. Team speed has improved, but experience and depth are real issues that can only get
better over time.
Tulane is in a similar situation. They must replace gunslinger QB, J.P. Losman and RB, Mewelde Moore. Combined, they
accounted for over 80% of the Green Wave offense last season. However, don't feel sorry for the Wave yet. Stepping in
at QB is LSU transfer, Lester Ricard. Ricard stands 6 foot 5 and has an extremely strong arm. At the RB position, Tulane
will feature Jovan Jackson. Jackson is a junior with breakaway speed and got a couple of starts last season when Moore
was sidelined with injuries. The entire offensive line returns as well so the Wave will be able to put points on the board
without a problem.
Defensively for the Wave….well, there isn't much to talk about. Their only returning starter on the defensive line quit the
team last week and the only player of note in the defensive secondary is SS Tra Bogar.
Gator's Take: The Bulldog faithful will have plenty to cheer about this week. The offense will move the ball at will
against a soft Tulane defense. Due to turnovers and penalties that come with many “opening games”, Tulane should
mount a charge in the second half and make it interesting. I don't expect another 4 th quarter collapse from the MSU
defense this year as the Dogs win a close one.
MSU 23 Tulane 19
The Eagles will open their season on the road at Nebraska 9/11. The game will be televised nationally on ABC at 11am.
In the meantime, the Eagles will return to the practice field (in between prayer sessions) to prepare for the new-look
Huskers that will feature the West Coast offense under new head coach Bill Callahan.