REBEL RECAP

Ole Miss completed one of the greatest turnarounds in Rebel history improving to 9-4 under the leadership of new head coach Houston Nutt. Nutt did it with great defense, good ground game, and big plays in the passing game.

The Rebels ran effectively behind Michael Oher and finished third in the SEC in rushing. The defense bent on occasion, but only gave up 17.8 points per game. Two huge improvements from last year's 3-8 campaign.

The 73rd Cotton Bowl will be a great memory for Rebel fans. The overwhelming favorite, Texas Tech, by "America's vote" was dead wrong. The coaches and fans believed and the players proved, on the field, that the SEC is still the premier conference. Ole Miss dominated the Red Raiders in a 47-34 victory. Dexter McCluster and Brandon Bolden led the rushing attack and Jevan Snead found Wallace, Harris, and Hodge in the air. The Ole Miss defensive line harassed Harrell all day and forced big turnovers by the secondary. McCluster was named offensive Cotton Bowl MVP after a 180 yard performance with a touchdown. McCluster rushed for 97 yards and added 83 yards receiving.The defensive MVP award went go Marshay Green, who returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown and took a punt down inside the Red Raider 10-yard line. The punt return was originally ruled a touchdown but instant replay showed Green stepping out.

Ole Miss started the season needing significant improvement at quarterback, they received just that. Jevan Snead, for the most part, was brilliant all season and won big games on the road at Florida, LSU, and Arkansas. The Texas native has definitely found a home in the Magnolia state. Snead will only get better and will be one of the best quarterbacks in the country next season.

Dexter McCluster has now become the running back/wide receiver rebel fans thought he would be. He made big plays all year long. He started off the season with some turnovers, but not because he lacked effort. McCluster has given everything he has since enrolling at Ole Miss. Now that he is healthy, he has become one of the best players in the country.

The Rebels will lose some great players like Mike Wallace, Peria Jerry, Jason Cook, and Michael Oher but the nucleus is in place for 2009. Houston Nutt does a great job developing and coaching players. Replacing all the seniors will be a challenge but Nutt and his staff are up to it. Ole Miss fans want to get to the point when the Rebels "reload" instead of "rebuild".

The season was wonderful but only the beginning for what is to come at Ole Miss. The future is very bright and the seniors have laid the foundation for greatness. The coaches, players, and fans are all in place to take Ole Miss football to the next level and 2009 could really be special.