The Big 3 Report
by Jason “Gator” Pigott
(Gator's Take Record 2004: 3-2)
After the 28-7 drubbing at Alabama on Saturday, head coach David Cutcliffe has decided to make
a change at QB. Ethan Flatt is the new high man on the totem pole for the Rebels. The sophomore
from Nashville came on in relief of Spurlock in the 3rd quarter against Alabama and led the Rebels
to their only scoring drive of the game. Ole Miss is ranked last in the SEC so the change seems to be
necessary.
The Rebels schedule may be partly to blame for the 0-2 start. Both opponents ( Memphis , and
Alabama ) are much improved from a year ago even though neither is ranked in the top 25. This
week the Rebels host Vanderbilt as each team will be vying for their first win of the season. In
recent years, the only thing Vandy has been good for is raising the SEC's graduation rate of student
athletes. It appears to be the same story this year after the Commodores week one beating at home
against South Carolina 31-6.
Gator's Take: A “must win” for the Rebels if they are to make a bowl game in December.
The home crowd in Oxford will be “testy” if things don't go well this week. Even though
Vandy had an extra week to prepare, I see the Rebels being conservative, yet effective on
offense early with the defense controlling the game. Spurlock will play after watching from
the sidelines in the first half and will finally get the offense moving.
Rebels 35 Commodores 10
State took one on the chin Saturday as the Auburn Tigers used a powerful running game to defeat the
Dogs 43-14. The Tigers rushed for over 300 yards as a team. The success on the ground opened up
the play-action pass and ultimately led to the demise of the Dogs on Saturday. Mississippi native and
now Tiger QB, Jason Campbell, passed for 3 TDs in the rout.
State struggled offensively against one of the nation's best defenses. The Bulldogs did not advance
inside the Tiger 30 yard line in the first half. It seemed that every time the offense got something going,
a penalty or mental mistake would stall the drive. One positive I noticed while watching the game was
that the Bulldogs never seemed to give up. Unlike last season, which produced similar results, this team
is playing for their head coach. Sylvester Croom has the respect of his team in the locker room and on
the field. Because of this, the Dogs will continue to get better as the season goes on.
Gator's Take: Look for the Dogs to rebound after last week with a solid performance. Maine is
ranked 16 th in Div. 1-AA and lost by only a touchdown at #1 Montana in week one. The Black
Bears are not a bad football team but should be no match for a competent SEC opponent.
Bulldogs 27 Black Bears 16
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER