Just schedule Memphis in baseball! That's what the Rebels did, and they will be in the hunt for the 17th win of the season tomorrow night at Autozone Park.
This team, who got swept at Marshall by a Thundering Herd that had won nine big ol' games going into the weekend, is truly, epically bad. Being the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Conference USA has got to be a tough pill to swallow. But Head Coach Daron Schoenrock hopes that outfitting the players in normal baseball clothes (as opposed to the jean shorts the team wore to their Thundering Beatdown in Charleston, W. Va) will produce a marginally respectable result against Ole Miss.
The Tigers are batting .241 as a team with only two guys breaking the .300 mark. All their starters have losing records, and they lost that last game at Marshall 1-11.
Check out their up-to-date statistics here, and go here to place your bets on whether the Diamond Tigers will be able to lose as many games as the Roundball Tigers win!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Spring Practice
Since we're halfway through spring football practice, I thought I could summarize what I've seen out of practices. We'll go position by position. Today, the offensive skill positions. Tomorrow, the lines. Wednesday, the defensive skill positions.
- QB -
Jevan Snead:
The Positives: Very Quick Release; Throws on a rope; Can thread the needle; excellent arm strength
The Negatives: In a limited number of practices, Jevan looked pretty bad. This could hint towards some inconsistency. When he played well, he was excellent. When he played poorly, he threw two picks to Fon Ingram (who may be good eventually, but still... he's third string on a bad cornerback unit.)
RSC Analysis: We expect Jevan to excel. This season, he will be better than anything we've had since No. 18's boy graced us with his presence. Still, to expect top of the SEC numbers this year is way too much. Our hope is simply that he's in the top half of the SEC in QB rating.
Billy Tapp:
The Positives: Good decision-making; Good accuracy
The Negatives: Slow release; Lacks significant arm strength
RSC Analysis: Billy Tapp has actually played quite well through practice so far. Our guess is that he's not quite as good as Seth Adams was last year, but hey... that's not too bad for a backup who was only recruited by Columbia.
Anyone Else:
Yikes.
- RB -
Cordera Eason:
The Positives: Runs with power; Good speed; Able to hit the holes quickly and get to the second level.
The Negatives: Doesn't read holes well; Impatient
RSC Analysis: Eason may not be as good as many had hoped when we recruited the 4* from Meridian, but he is the most complete back that is currently on campus. The chances of us using him in a feature back role are zip, but he will be the first running back used in a by-committee system. Eason has broken several insanely long runs, a good sign for his speed. Also, he can get the nitty-gritty yards. If Eason can get better at allowing blocks to set up, he could be phenomenal.
Derrick Davis:
The Positives: Runs with power; Patience
The Negatives: Lacks top-end speed
RSC Analysis: People weren't just pumping kool-aid when they said that Davis was as good as Eason when both were juniors at Meridian. He is a great second runningback, as is evidenced by Nutt's faith in moving Jeremy McGee to corner, leaving us with two runningbacks. Davis has overcome the injury that had him riding the bench for two years at Ole Miss, and he appears ready to show that he wasn't just part of a package deal for Eason.
Dexter McCluster:
The Positives: Excellent vision when running with the ball; patience; Top-end speed
The Negatives: Ability between the tackles; Durability
RSC Analysis: I know it's not fair to talk about McCluster's inability to run between the tackles, but he's going to be asked to do that some running the "Wild Rebel" and out of the I. He has to be able to put up with some damage across the middle, and we worry he won't be able to do so. Still, he is the biggest playmaker on the field, and has done an excellent job of getting short and long runs out of the wild rebel.
Jason Cook:
The Positives: Blocking; Strength; Experience; Powerful Runner
The Negatives: Speed; Inexperience with the ball
RSC Analysis: Jason Cook should have been used a lot more for the past three years. It's good to see Nutt wanting to get him the ball in the flats. Let's hope that Cook can make the most of it.
Reggie Hicks:
The Positive: Speed; Strength; Good with the ball
The Negatives: Blocking
RSC Analysis: Hicks can be used more as an offensive threat than as a lead blocker. Look for him to come in on some third downs.
Andy Hartmann:
The Positives: Strength; Blocking
The Negatives: Speed
RSC Analysis: Hartmann has been too slow in practice to effectively lead block. I guess if we need a pass blocking FB, we can go with him.
- WR -
Mike Wallace:
The Positives: Top-end speed; Height
The Negatives: Does not run crisp short routes; Sometimes drops sure catches
RSC Analysis: Mike Wallace is the epitome of a deep threat. This practice, he has repeatedly put a move on his d-back in one-on-ones and gone long. Unfortunately, Wallace is just not physical enough to run across the middle effectively. Still, it's great to have a threat to go deep with Wallace's speed.
Markeith Summers:
The Positives: Height; ability to use body; goes up and gets the ball; runs crisp routes
The Negatives: None so far
RSC Analysis: It's always interesting to see which players step up when there's a coaching change. Obviously, Markeith Summers is one of those players. Summers has developed into the most complete receiver in a corps ripe with talent. He has not disappointed in a single practice.
Shay Hodge:
The Positives: Ability to use body; goes up and gets the ball; runs crisp routes; makes the tough catch
The Negatives: Drops sure catches; Top-speed
RSC Analysis: Shay Hodge is very similar to Chris Collins. He gets the ball a lot just because he's so good at running routes. The only devastating problem Shay has is his hands. One play, he'll catch the ball over a corner's back. The next, he'll drop one that hits him in the numbers.
Dexter McCluster:
The Positives: Speed; Route-Running; Elusive
The Negatives: Size
RSC Analysis: McCluster will continue to be used in unconventional ways. He will see screens, reverses, etc. and will be given the opportunity to make a play with the ball in his hands. With his ability to make a player miss, he should be good.
Lionel Breaux:
The Positives: Speed
The Negatives: Doesn't show up some days
RSC Analysis: Breaux could be a good player, but right now, he just gets lost in the shuffle.
Michael Hicks:
The Positives: Height; Ability to use his body
The Negatives: Everything else
RSC Analysis: Has he even been at practice? Seriously, what happened to this guy?
- TE -
David Traxler:
The Positives: Blocking
The Negatives: Speed; Receiving
RSC Analysis: This is where the team starts sounding a lot less like a national championship contender. The TE position is REALLY thin. Traxler has made a few catches, but he usually looks lost in space.
Gerald Harris:
The Positives: NA
The Negatives: NA
RSC Analysis: I've seen him make one catch for about 6 yards. Comments?
Cecil Frison:
The Positives: ...
The Negatives: Speed
RSC Analysis: Jevan Snead put out a gorgeous pass one day for Cecil, and he couldn't even find it. Note: There was no problem with the sun or lights.
- QB -
Jevan Snead:
The Positives: Very Quick Release; Throws on a rope; Can thread the needle; excellent arm strength
The Negatives: In a limited number of practices, Jevan looked pretty bad. This could hint towards some inconsistency. When he played well, he was excellent. When he played poorly, he threw two picks to Fon Ingram (who may be good eventually, but still... he's third string on a bad cornerback unit.)
RSC Analysis: We expect Jevan to excel. This season, he will be better than anything we've had since No. 18's boy graced us with his presence. Still, to expect top of the SEC numbers this year is way too much. Our hope is simply that he's in the top half of the SEC in QB rating.
Billy Tapp:
The Positives: Good decision-making; Good accuracy
The Negatives: Slow release; Lacks significant arm strength
RSC Analysis: Billy Tapp has actually played quite well through practice so far. Our guess is that he's not quite as good as Seth Adams was last year, but hey... that's not too bad for a backup who was only recruited by Columbia.
Anyone Else:
Yikes.
- RB -
Cordera Eason:
The Positives: Runs with power; Good speed; Able to hit the holes quickly and get to the second level.
The Negatives: Doesn't read holes well; Impatient
RSC Analysis: Eason may not be as good as many had hoped when we recruited the 4* from Meridian, but he is the most complete back that is currently on campus. The chances of us using him in a feature back role are zip, but he will be the first running back used in a by-committee system. Eason has broken several insanely long runs, a good sign for his speed. Also, he can get the nitty-gritty yards. If Eason can get better at allowing blocks to set up, he could be phenomenal.
Derrick Davis:
The Positives: Runs with power; Patience
The Negatives: Lacks top-end speed
RSC Analysis: People weren't just pumping kool-aid when they said that Davis was as good as Eason when both were juniors at Meridian. He is a great second runningback, as is evidenced by Nutt's faith in moving Jeremy McGee to corner, leaving us with two runningbacks. Davis has overcome the injury that had him riding the bench for two years at Ole Miss, and he appears ready to show that he wasn't just part of a package deal for Eason.
Dexter McCluster:
The Positives: Excellent vision when running with the ball; patience; Top-end speed
The Negatives: Ability between the tackles; Durability
RSC Analysis: I know it's not fair to talk about McCluster's inability to run between the tackles, but he's going to be asked to do that some running the "Wild Rebel" and out of the I. He has to be able to put up with some damage across the middle, and we worry he won't be able to do so. Still, he is the biggest playmaker on the field, and has done an excellent job of getting short and long runs out of the wild rebel.
Jason Cook:
The Positives: Blocking; Strength; Experience; Powerful Runner
The Negatives: Speed; Inexperience with the ball
RSC Analysis: Jason Cook should have been used a lot more for the past three years. It's good to see Nutt wanting to get him the ball in the flats. Let's hope that Cook can make the most of it.
Reggie Hicks:
The Positive: Speed; Strength; Good with the ball
The Negatives: Blocking
RSC Analysis: Hicks can be used more as an offensive threat than as a lead blocker. Look for him to come in on some third downs.
Andy Hartmann:
The Positives: Strength; Blocking
The Negatives: Speed
RSC Analysis: Hartmann has been too slow in practice to effectively lead block. I guess if we need a pass blocking FB, we can go with him.
- WR -
Mike Wallace:
The Positives: Top-end speed; Height
The Negatives: Does not run crisp short routes; Sometimes drops sure catches
RSC Analysis: Mike Wallace is the epitome of a deep threat. This practice, he has repeatedly put a move on his d-back in one-on-ones and gone long. Unfortunately, Wallace is just not physical enough to run across the middle effectively. Still, it's great to have a threat to go deep with Wallace's speed.
Markeith Summers:
The Positives: Height; ability to use body; goes up and gets the ball; runs crisp routes
The Negatives: None so far
RSC Analysis: It's always interesting to see which players step up when there's a coaching change. Obviously, Markeith Summers is one of those players. Summers has developed into the most complete receiver in a corps ripe with talent. He has not disappointed in a single practice.
Shay Hodge:
The Positives: Ability to use body; goes up and gets the ball; runs crisp routes; makes the tough catch
The Negatives: Drops sure catches; Top-speed
RSC Analysis: Shay Hodge is very similar to Chris Collins. He gets the ball a lot just because he's so good at running routes. The only devastating problem Shay has is his hands. One play, he'll catch the ball over a corner's back. The next, he'll drop one that hits him in the numbers.
Dexter McCluster:
The Positives: Speed; Route-Running; Elusive
The Negatives: Size
RSC Analysis: McCluster will continue to be used in unconventional ways. He will see screens, reverses, etc. and will be given the opportunity to make a play with the ball in his hands. With his ability to make a player miss, he should be good.
Lionel Breaux:
The Positives: Speed
The Negatives: Doesn't show up some days
RSC Analysis: Breaux could be a good player, but right now, he just gets lost in the shuffle.
Michael Hicks:
The Positives: Height; Ability to use his body
The Negatives: Everything else
RSC Analysis: Has he even been at practice? Seriously, what happened to this guy?
- TE -
David Traxler:
The Positives: Blocking
The Negatives: Speed; Receiving
RSC Analysis: This is where the team starts sounding a lot less like a national championship contender. The TE position is REALLY thin. Traxler has made a few catches, but he usually looks lost in space.
Gerald Harris:
The Positives: NA
The Negatives: NA
RSC Analysis: I've seen him make one catch for about 6 yards. Comments?
Cecil Frison:
The Positives: ...
The Negatives: Speed
RSC Analysis: Jevan Snead put out a gorgeous pass one day for Cecil, and he couldn't even find it. Note: There was no problem with the sun or lights.
Rebel Roundup
Houston, we have a piece of pointless journalism. Yahoo has written a storythat is, obstensibly, about Houston Nutt. It is, in actuality, a book report on the 2007 Ole Miss Football Media Guide. If you were at all confused about the last fifty years of UM Football history, that information has been, finally, synthesized for you over at Yahoo Sports.
Role-playing...not just for sexually frustrated Gen-Xers anymore. Parrish Alford has a piece on Zach Graham and Rodney Jones detailing their contributions to the men's basketball team this season. Yeah ... I guess. I'm sure that journalists covering Ole MIss are running out of things to say about Dwayne Curtis and Chris Warren, and I'm happy that Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Jones have more fodder for their scrapbooks and refrigerator doors, but really? Nothing about, y'know, someone who gets in the game? This raises the age old question, "Does Parrish Alford watch Ole Miss sports?" The world may never know.
What's the Matta, Thad? Clarion Ledger has a story the headline of which claims to be about Ohio State's young team, but is, in reality, about how bad it must suck to go from the National Championship Game in 2007 to the NIT Final Four in 2008. Why do I feel optimistic about our chances against Ohio State? Well, one reason is because meek Ole Miss and its fans are excited about the NIT, while Ohio State is ready to do anything to avoid having to play Florida in anything ever again.
Really, ESPN? I think Ole MIss fans know that the national sports media enjoy pointing at us and laughing. Often with good reason - we have a way of sucking. But why do they have to point out our futility in sports no one cares about? Like this preview of Van Chancellor and LSU's Women's NCAA Game against North Carolina. Why, ESPN, did you have to bring up that Chancellor couldn't make a Final Four in, like, fifty years at Ole Miss, but is dangerously close to doing so in his first year at LSU? I know that nobody will read your stories about women's basketball, but I can't help feel the sting, ESPN.
Role-playing...not just for sexually frustrated Gen-Xers anymore. Parrish Alford has a piece on Zach Graham and Rodney Jones detailing their contributions to the men's basketball team this season. Yeah ... I guess. I'm sure that journalists covering Ole MIss are running out of things to say about Dwayne Curtis and Chris Warren, and I'm happy that Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Jones have more fodder for their scrapbooks and refrigerator doors, but really? Nothing about, y'know, someone who gets in the game? This raises the age old question, "Does Parrish Alford watch Ole Miss sports?" The world may never know.
What's the Matta, Thad? Clarion Ledger has a story the headline of which claims to be about Ohio State's young team, but is, in reality, about how bad it must suck to go from the National Championship Game in 2007 to the NIT Final Four in 2008. Why do I feel optimistic about our chances against Ohio State? Well, one reason is because meek Ole Miss and its fans are excited about the NIT, while Ohio State is ready to do anything to avoid having to play Florida in anything ever again.
Really, ESPN? I think Ole MIss fans know that the national sports media enjoy pointing at us and laughing. Often with good reason - we have a way of sucking. But why do they have to point out our futility in sports no one cares about? Like this preview of Van Chancellor and LSU's Women's NCAA Game against North Carolina. Why, ESPN, did you have to bring up that Chancellor couldn't make a Final Four in, like, fifty years at Ole Miss, but is dangerously close to doing so in his first year at LSU? I know that nobody will read your stories about women's basketball, but I can't help feel the sting, ESPN.
Mississippi State's Offense: As Potent as Ginger Ale
Coach CroomS and his band of Bulldogs concluded spring practice this weekend with the annual Maroon and White game and, per SI, Mississippi State is slated to have a terribly anemic offense for the second season running.
"I'm not judging anything based on today," CroomS said after the game. Unfortunately for him, everyone else doesn't work that way and the writing is all over the wall: your offense sucks, again.
Robert Elliot, heir apparent to the impossible-to-fill-throne left vacant by Jerious Norwood two seasons ago and "rocker of the two" only rushed for a pathetic 15 yards, the highest rushing total of any back State put out there. Furthermore, the Maroon (1st team) offense committed four turnovers and no kicker successfully attempted a field goal. The scrimage ended at 0-0 and had to go into an overtime to determine a "winner."
Of course we could sit here and talk about the virtues of a good, playmaking defense and fill our heads with delusions like "defense wins championships" but let's not kid ourselves, an offense like this must be agonizing for a fanbase.
The seeming offensive MVP of the spring game was White team quarterback Tyson Lee who was 12 of 21 for 127 yards with an interception.... during a fake game. And yes, the puppies are drooling over this. The astute "leeinator" of Gene's Page even compared Lee to Mizzou's Heisman contending Chase Daniel saying that he seemed "not real tall, but pretty darn quick, strong arm, reasonably accurate. Just seemed to make a play when there wasn't much there. Looked as good as anything I've seen on our team within the last year."
And speaking of last year, many of us (Alabama?) will recall how State's defense provides for narrow, bullshit-laden victories and must-changethechannel-TV. Yes, State did go to a bowl game and yes, they won. But keep in mind that the best team the CUSA could muster up had a defense powerful enough to keep State out of the endzone until the 4th quarter.
How in Hell did Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn and (yes) we Rebels lose to that? If the spring game is an indicator of anything (when realistically it isn't, but let's just pretend), I'm guessing Starkville will be even more depressing this upcoming fall.
Mississippi State offense, you've been CROOMZXOR3D!!!1~
"I'm not judging anything based on today," CroomS said after the game. Unfortunately for him, everyone else doesn't work that way and the writing is all over the wall: your offense sucks, again.
Robert Elliot, heir apparent to the impossible-to-fill-throne left vacant by Jerious Norwood two seasons ago and "rocker of the two" only rushed for a pathetic 15 yards, the highest rushing total of any back State put out there. Furthermore, the Maroon (1st team) offense committed four turnovers and no kicker successfully attempted a field goal. The scrimage ended at 0-0 and had to go into an overtime to determine a "winner."
Of course we could sit here and talk about the virtues of a good, playmaking defense and fill our heads with delusions like "defense wins championships" but let's not kid ourselves, an offense like this must be agonizing for a fanbase.
The seeming offensive MVP of the spring game was White team quarterback Tyson Lee who was 12 of 21 for 127 yards with an interception.... during a fake game. And yes, the puppies are drooling over this. The astute "leeinator" of Gene's Page even compared Lee to Mizzou's Heisman contending Chase Daniel saying that he seemed "not real tall, but pretty darn quick, strong arm, reasonably accurate. Just seemed to make a play when there wasn't much there. Looked as good as anything I've seen on our team within the last year."
And speaking of last year, many of us (Alabama?) will recall how State's defense provides for narrow, bullshit-laden victories and must-changethechannel-TV. Yes, State did go to a bowl game and yes, they won. But keep in mind that the best team the CUSA could muster up had a defense powerful enough to keep State out of the endzone until the 4th quarter.
How in Hell did Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn and (yes) we Rebels lose to that? If the spring game is an indicator of anything (when realistically it isn't, but let's just pretend), I'm guessing Starkville will be even more depressing this upcoming fall.
Mississippi State offense, you've been CROOMZXOR3D!!!1~
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Euphamism Makes Guns Safer
Left Tackle Michael Brown and Defensive Tackle Quinton Wesley have been dismissed from Mississippi State's football team pending an investigation into a "campus incident involving two handguns."
According to The Cup's sources, Brown and Wesley brandished their weapons outside the residence of out-going Mississippi State President Robert "Doc" Foglesong yelling, "You got Croomed! You got Croomed!"
When asked why Brown and Wesley were dismissed rather than suspended, paragon of virtue and head football coach Sylvester Croom responded, "Because they don't run as fast as Derek Pegues."
According to The Cup's sources, Brown and Wesley brandished their weapons outside the residence of out-going Mississippi State President Robert "Doc" Foglesong yelling, "You got Croomed! You got Croomed!"
When asked why Brown and Wesley were dismissed rather than suspended, paragon of virtue and head football coach Sylvester Croom responded, "Because they don't run as fast as Derek Pegues."
Insider Analysis: Ron Polk Resigns
After the surprise resignation of Mississippi State University baseball coach Ron Polk on Thursday, many diamond-ball fans in the Magnolia State have wondered why the all-time winning coach in SEC baseball history is hanging up his pantaloons...again. Rumors abound, of course. Some posit that the 'Dogs embarrassing record might be a reason for Polk's decision to return to Munchkinland. Others point to Polk's on-going feud with the NCAA.
But those with first-hand experience know best.
The Cup's Senior SEC Insider Analyst Jackie Sherrill, former MSU head football coach and instructor in bovine husbandry, has the inside scoop:
Red [REDACTED] Cup: Coach Sherrill, you are well acquainted with the athletic program in Starkville, why do you think Coach Polk is finally retiring?
Jackie Sherrill: Well, there are a number of reasons, not the least of which is Starkville. I mean, a guy can only go to Mugshots so many times until he just gets tired of the smell there. And, the facilities are nice, but what with the free-grazing cheerleaders and all those retarded tree-houses in the outfield, it's next to impossible to keep the stadium in respectable shape. I don't know how he maintained the success he did without cheating.
R[R]C: Well said, good sir. Who do you think State will hire to replace Polk?
JS: Tough question. One difficulty State always has when it faces hiring situations like this is the long-standing tradition of employing funny-looking people. And, of course, they don't get much more funny-looking than Sylvester Croom, so finding someone that matches the hillarious physique of the other members of their athletic staff will be hard. I think they will also be looking for someone whose name is conducive to a demeaning catch-phrase. And, I know this guy isn't technically a baseball coach, but I can think of one man I'd love to see back in the SEC in practically any position.
R[R]C: Interesting. Any insight on what Coach Polk might do in retirement?
JS: Sure. I've talked to Coach Polk. I think his first priority is to spend some quality time with his family. As you might know, he hasn't seen them in 35 years, as they flat-out refused to ever enter the city limits of Starkville. I've also heard that he might rejoin the Lollipop Guild. I'm just just glad that he's getting out when the time is right. Some coaches just don't realize when it's time to go, and they end up running a program into the ground.
R[R]C: Like you did coach?
JS: Exactly.
R[R]C: Fantastic! Well, thanks for talking with us, coach. Take care!
But those with first-hand experience know best.
The Cup's Senior SEC Insider Analyst Jackie Sherrill, former MSU head football coach and instructor in bovine husbandry, has the inside scoop:
Red [REDACTED] Cup: Coach Sherrill, you are well acquainted with the athletic program in Starkville, why do you think Coach Polk is finally retiring?Jackie Sherrill: Well, there are a number of reasons, not the least of which is Starkville. I mean, a guy can only go to Mugshots so many times until he just gets tired of the smell there. And, the facilities are nice, but what with the free-grazing cheerleaders and all those retarded tree-houses in the outfield, it's next to impossible to keep the stadium in respectable shape. I don't know how he maintained the success he did without cheating.
R[R]C: Well said, good sir. Who do you think State will hire to replace Polk?
JS: Tough question. One difficulty State always has when it faces hiring situations like this is the long-standing tradition of employing funny-looking people. And, of course, they don't get much more funny-looking than Sylvester Croom, so finding someone that matches the hillarious physique of the other members of their athletic staff will be hard. I think they will also be looking for someone whose name is conducive to a demeaning catch-phrase. And, I know this guy isn't technically a baseball coach, but I can think of one man I'd love to see back in the SEC in practically any position.
R[R]C: Interesting. Any insight on what Coach Polk might do in retirement?
JS: Sure. I've talked to Coach Polk. I think his first priority is to spend some quality time with his family. As you might know, he hasn't seen them in 35 years, as they flat-out refused to ever enter the city limits of Starkville. I've also heard that he might rejoin the Lollipop Guild. I'm just just glad that he's getting out when the time is right. Some coaches just don't realize when it's time to go, and they end up running a program into the ground.
R[R]C: Like you did coach?
JS: Exactly.
R[R]C: Fantastic! Well, thanks for talking with us, coach. Take care!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Courtside Update: No, Not the NIT
The Rebel tennis team improved to 14-4 (5-2) today with a win over Vandy in impressive fashion. The middle of a three-game road stint, this match hopefully gave the team some needed experience in adverse weather conditions that Coach Billy Chadwick claims had quite an effect on the team in their loss to Florida.
The Rebels began the match with almost expected domination of the doubles point, as Robbye Poole filled in for the injured Bram ten Berge to win at No. 2 with partner Matthias Wellermann. Moving to singles, Wellermann's troubles continued at No. 1 in SEC play. Coach Chadwick has stuck with Matthias at the top spot in every SEC match despite a 2-4 record in conference play and a more proven player in Erling Tveit sitting at No. 2. I dare not question the decision making of our esteemed coach of 25 years, but I am waiting to see Matthias ram his huge serve down some people's throats.
Do not despair, Rebel fans, about losses on the first court--it is our depth that wins us matches. Tveit fulfilled expectations with a win at No. 2 (6-3, 7-5), and the "good" side of somewhat erratic player Robbye Poole showed up to pull out a win on court 3 (7-5, 6-4).
Jonas Berg continues to keep fans excited about the future of the program with yet another strong win (6-2, 6-4) at No. 4. I know that he plays easier opponents on courts 4 and 5, but Berg has only one loss in singles to his name this spring (and he made his opponent work for it). He plays hard and knows how to win; expect him to shoot forward in the line-up after the graduation of much of the team this year.
Kalle Norberg has returned to usual form in the past two matches after a disappointing loss at No. 5 against Florida with a 6-1, 6-0 win today. Jakob Klaeson filled the final spot over freshman Tucker Vorster as the Rebs still suffer from the injury to ten Berge. In only his second SEC singles match of the year, Klaeson bounced back from losing the clinching match against the Gators a week ago and showed resilience in his 1-6, 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 6. The team really needs him to step up while ten Berge, who has been out of action since playing doubles against Florida, recovers.
The Rebels travel to Lexington to face Kentucky on Sunday and need a strong match to bring them home for the remainder of the regular season.
The Rebels began the match with almost expected domination of the doubles point, as Robbye Poole filled in for the injured Bram ten Berge to win at No. 2 with partner Matthias Wellermann. Moving to singles, Wellermann's troubles continued at No. 1 in SEC play. Coach Chadwick has stuck with Matthias at the top spot in every SEC match despite a 2-4 record in conference play and a more proven player in Erling Tveit sitting at No. 2. I dare not question the decision making of our esteemed coach of 25 years, but I am waiting to see Matthias ram his huge serve down some people's throats.
Do not despair, Rebel fans, about losses on the first court--it is our depth that wins us matches. Tveit fulfilled expectations with a win at No. 2 (6-3, 7-5), and the "good" side of somewhat erratic player Robbye Poole showed up to pull out a win on court 3 (7-5, 6-4).
Jonas Berg continues to keep fans excited about the future of the program with yet another strong win (6-2, 6-4) at No. 4. I know that he plays easier opponents on courts 4 and 5, but Berg has only one loss in singles to his name this spring (and he made his opponent work for it). He plays hard and knows how to win; expect him to shoot forward in the line-up after the graduation of much of the team this year.Kalle Norberg has returned to usual form in the past two matches after a disappointing loss at No. 5 against Florida with a 6-1, 6-0 win today. Jakob Klaeson filled the final spot over freshman Tucker Vorster as the Rebs still suffer from the injury to ten Berge. In only his second SEC singles match of the year, Klaeson bounced back from losing the clinching match against the Gators a week ago and showed resilience in his 1-6, 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 6. The team really needs him to step up while ten Berge, who has been out of action since playing doubles against Florida, recovers.
The Rebels travel to Lexington to face Kentucky on Sunday and need a strong match to bring them home for the remainder of the regular season.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Weekend Preview- Alabama versus Ole Miss
After absolutely crushing Minnesota, Northwestern State in a midweek set, and beating Indiana State, Bianco's Rebels have been struggling to find enough offense to win games. While the Rebel batters did manage double digit runs in two of the games against Mississippi State, it's Mississippi State, and their first two in the rotation are horrible.
It's almost like State pitcher Ricky Bowen put the Rebel batters in some sort of a trance. Since his lights out complete game, the Rebels are 2-5 and averaging a meager 4 runs per game while allowing 5.142 runs.
After a disappointing showing against Florida, Mike Bianco had to search for answers. Bianco, who never makes knee-jerk decisions, has decided to change his rotation after 5 weeks. Initially, Lynn, Satterwhite, and Baker were the starters. Lynn and Satterwhite throw similiar pitches, and it seemed as if Satterwhite did not have a chance on Saturday after the batters had seen Lynn the day before. So, here is the new rotation going into the weekend:
OLE MISS:
Jr. RHP Lance Lynn (4-0, 1.50 ERA)
Fr. LHP Drew Pomeranz (1-0, 1.56 ERA)
Jr. RHP Cody Satterwhite (2-0, 4.50 ERA
This is the rotation that the Rebel batters will see:
ALABAMA
Jr. RHP Austin Hyatt (2-2, 3.55 ERA)
So. RHP Austin Graham (2-1, 3.09 ERA)
Jr. RHP Robert Phares (1-1, 5.06 ERA)
Another change that Bianco made was putting Stuyverson at 2nd and Ferguson at short. Also, he put Jordan Henry 9th in the batting order. The results of the Tuesday line-up against Southern: two runs.
Here is how I would organize the line-up:
Miller, F. Smith (DH), Overbeck, Power, M. Smith, Guerrero, Ferguson, Basham, Henry
As far as other numbers are concerned:
Rebels versus Tide
BA: .310 vs .299
Doubles: 57 vs 34
HRs: 26 vs 28
Balks: 3 vs 13
Fielding Percentage: .967 vs .947
What to watch for: Drew Pomeranz
After the Freshman has put up really impressive numbers in relief, he gets his first crack at the weekend rotation. He consistently brings heat up into the 93-95 range, and he throws a nasty curve that drops twelve-to-six like he's jumping through time zones. How will Pom respond?
Alabama just took the series at home from Vandy, and they are on a 4 win streak. The Rebels choked away a series with Florida, and they are on a 3 game skid.
My prediction:
F: 6-1 Rebels
S: 8-3 Rebels
Su: 3-9 Tide
The Rebels get back on track with a new rotation and line-up.
It's almost like State pitcher Ricky Bowen put the Rebel batters in some sort of a trance. Since his lights out complete game, the Rebels are 2-5 and averaging a meager 4 runs per game while allowing 5.142 runs.
After a disappointing showing against Florida, Mike Bianco had to search for answers. Bianco, who never makes knee-jerk decisions, has decided to change his rotation after 5 weeks. Initially, Lynn, Satterwhite, and Baker were the starters. Lynn and Satterwhite throw similiar pitches, and it seemed as if Satterwhite did not have a chance on Saturday after the batters had seen Lynn the day before. So, here is the new rotation going into the weekend:
OLE MISS:
Jr. RHP Lance Lynn (4-0, 1.50 ERA)
Fr. LHP Drew Pomeranz (1-0, 1.56 ERA)
Jr. RHP Cody Satterwhite (2-0, 4.50 ERA
This is the rotation that the Rebel batters will see:
ALABAMA
Jr. RHP Austin Hyatt (2-2, 3.55 ERA)
So. RHP Austin Graham (2-1, 3.09 ERA)
Jr. RHP Robert Phares (1-1, 5.06 ERA)
Another change that Bianco made was putting Stuyverson at 2nd and Ferguson at short. Also, he put Jordan Henry 9th in the batting order. The results of the Tuesday line-up against Southern: two runs.
Here is how I would organize the line-up:
Miller, F. Smith (DH), Overbeck, Power, M. Smith, Guerrero, Ferguson, Basham, Henry
As far as other numbers are concerned:
Rebels versus Tide
BA: .310 vs .299
Doubles: 57 vs 34
HRs: 26 vs 28
Balks: 3 vs 13
Fielding Percentage: .967 vs .947
What to watch for: Drew Pomeranz
After the Freshman has put up really impressive numbers in relief, he gets his first crack at the weekend rotation. He consistently brings heat up into the 93-95 range, and he throws a nasty curve that drops twelve-to-six like he's jumping through time zones. How will Pom respond?
Alabama just took the series at home from Vandy, and they are on a 4 win streak. The Rebels choked away a series with Florida, and they are on a 3 game skid.
My prediction:
F: 6-1 Rebels
S: 8-3 Rebels
Su: 3-9 Tide
The Rebels get back on track with a new rotation and line-up.
Pre-season Polls
So, I recently read an article about the Small Ten that you can find here. The part that stood out the most was this little gem in regards to Ohio State.
"National title or bust. Georgia will probably be everyone's preseason No. 1 team, and maybe USC, Oklahoma, Florida, or a random other team will get a few nods for the top spot, but no team comes back as loaded or as talented as Ohio State. A win at USC might be a must to make the trip to Miami, and if this team really wants to be a national champion, that's a game it has to win."
Yeah. They're loaded alright... loaded with players that were stomped by Florida AND LSU (the first with a 41-14 devastating loss and the second with a more modest 38-24 loss that caused the reaction in the picture.) As the article so reasonably points out, UGA is the favorite headed into this season. Are they going to have to be the ones who bring down tOSU (the most talented team in America)?
Ohio State - Winless in bowls against SEC schools...
But this is not Ohio State's fault obviously. It's journalists like this that make things like this possible. Seriously, if I see another pre-season poll that puts tOSU in the top 5... heck, the top 10, I will make a call to one laser-sighted glock wielding ex-rebel/tiger and ask him to off the guy. The only thing this does is further demean a conference that was good at one time and just can't compete anymore.
"National title or bust. Georgia will probably be everyone's preseason No. 1 team, and maybe USC, Oklahoma, Florida, or a random other team will get a few nods for the top spot, but no team comes back as loaded or as talented as Ohio State. A win at USC might be a must to make the trip to Miami, and if this team really wants to be a national champion, that's a game it has to win."
Yeah. They're loaded alright... loaded with players that were stomped by Florida AND LSU (the first with a 41-14 devastating loss and the second with a more modest 38-24 loss that caused the reaction in the picture.) As the article so reasonably points out, UGA is the favorite headed into this season. Are they going to have to be the ones who bring down tOSU (the most talented team in America)?
Ohio State - Winless in bowls against SEC schools...
But this is not Ohio State's fault obviously. It's journalists like this that make things like this possible. Seriously, if I see another pre-season poll that puts tOSU in the top 5... heck, the top 10, I will make a call to one laser-sighted glock wielding ex-rebel/tiger and ask him to off the guy. The only thing this does is further demean a conference that was good at one time and just can't compete anymore.
The Root of All Evil: Money or Ryan Perrillouxzzr?
HA HA! Trick question, Lewis Black, they are one in the same. And now Coach Les Miles has pulled another one out of his hat, unsuspending his star domestic abuser and chronic gambler quarterback. WBRZ Channel 2 News has it that Perriloux's suspension is over and the star junior might even return to the team before spring drills end on April 5, presumably so that he will not have this heavy burden weighing him down during finals.
“I just want to make sure he’s doing the work in the classroom and taking care of business," Miles said.
All signs indicate that Perrilloux is doing just that. He has NCAA Tourney Pools circulating in four of his five classes, "tricked out" his "boo" to his pathetic Psych 101 professor, and is currently managing over 200 CentSports profiles.
Jam.
When reached for comment, Senior Solo Cup SEC Analyst Jackie Sherril responded, "Is this really a smart way to run your football program?"
“I just want to make sure he’s doing the work in the classroom and taking care of business," Miles said.
All signs indicate that Perrilloux is doing just that. He has NCAA Tourney Pools circulating in four of his five classes, "tricked out" his "boo" to his pathetic Psych 101 professor, and is currently managing over 200 CentSports profiles.
Jam.
When reached for comment, Senior Solo Cup SEC Analyst Jackie Sherril responded, "Is this really a smart way to run your football program?"
Allow myself to introduce.... myself
Here at The Red [REDACTED] Cup, we're all about "changing the culture." No, we do not at all mean the imposition of Revelations fueld guilt such as this, this, or this. Rather, we are trying to change the culture of Ole Miss apathetic sunshine-sucking which plagues seemingly 99% of our fanbase. No, this isn't the sweater-vest wearing, AM/FM-headphones-at-the-game-clad kinda blog.
If Jerrel Powe is fat, we'll tell you. We're not going to say he's "grown" or "looks impressive."
If our white athletes are "gritty team players" or "good presences in the locker room," we'll tell you that they're not going to play.
If Vandy beats us (again) we're going to remind you that Ole Miss is not, in fact, losing to an "up-and-coming" Vanderbilt team, but rather that we have stooped to an all-time low.
The best thing of all is, you don't have to give Chuck any money! So come on over, pour yourself a stout one (trust me, you deserve it); just be sure to keep it in that cup... UPD is looking.
Rebel Roundup
Is Your Team Still Playing, Rick? I hope that trip to North Little Rock was slick, Stansbury, because the Rebels are going to the 'ship. Or, at least the semi-finals. Of the NIT. Here is coverage from the Richmond Times Dispatch. And here is David Brandt's recap in The Clarion Ledger.
It's all about the kids. Yancy has this conversation with the head coach of Amite County High School Charles Jackson regarding OL recruit Gabriel Jackson. He was pretty candid saying things like, "USM offered him too, but he is not going there," and "I am not really that attracted with MSU or Ole Miss. I feel strong towards LSU and Auburn, but I am not pushing him to either one."
Vote for Miss Angela! Vote or die! Vote or die! Dwayne Curtis is a finalist for the Cellular South Howell Trophy for the most outstanding collegiate basketball player in the Magnolia State. The Daily Journal tells you how to skew the results in his favor.
But don't get too excited folks... because when it comes to Ole Miss athletics there's always some jerk who will remind us about this.
It's all about the kids. Yancy has this conversation with the head coach of Amite County High School Charles Jackson regarding OL recruit Gabriel Jackson. He was pretty candid saying things like, "USM offered him too, but he is not going there," and "I am not really that attracted with MSU or Ole Miss. I feel strong towards LSU and Auburn, but I am not pushing him to either one."
Vote for Miss Angela! Vote or die! Vote or die! Dwayne Curtis is a finalist for the Cellular South Howell Trophy for the most outstanding collegiate basketball player in the Magnolia State. The Daily Journal tells you how to skew the results in his favor.
But don't get too excited folks... because when it comes to Ole Miss athletics there's always some jerk who will remind us about this.
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