Blogger Q&D - Double T Nation

Double T Nation, a very well written and detailed Texas Tech blog, agreed to exchange some questions with us in traditional game-week fashion. Juco All-American's questions and Seth of Double T Nation's answers are below. You should also earnestly peruse the last few weeks of posts on the blog. They've gone all "in-depth" and shit.


1. What do you think holds teams back from using the Mike Leach spread? Is it a lack of ability to coach it, fear that it won't work with other players, or something else? Explain specifically what makes your offense tick.

It's pretty ugly when it doesn't work, but when it does, it's an absolute thing of beauty. Teams and coaches have to be patient, something that's not very common in today's coaching circles (see Auburn). Just like any other kind of offensive or defensive scheme, it takes commitment on the part of the administration and school to make sure that the coach is able to fully implement his system. Keep in mind that a lot of Texas Tech fans believe, me included, that the spread helped even the playing field for Texas Tech. Mike Leach was able to take traditionally less talented players, put up tremendous offensive numbers and win more than a handful of games, something his predecessor could not do on a consistent basis. The spread can work with just about any group of players, so long as they're talented, so long as the quarterback can quickly read a defense. If you have a quarterback that reacts slowly then it's disaster.

As to the specific portion of your question, what makes it tick is that Mike Leach has written the book on the spread, he knows it inside and out, and is able to teach his quarterbacks (I'm pretty sure its some sort of voodoo) how to quickly assess a situation and react correctly. There's nothing fancy to the plays, it's merely a matter of reading the defense. What's made this offense even better than in previous years is an absolutely insane athlete in Michael Crabtree, a quarterback who has had 3 years in the system in Graham Harrell, and two running backs that have run like their lives depended on it.


2. We've all heard the debate. SEC defenses look good because SEC offenses are so bad. Big XII offenses look good because Big XII defenses are so bad. Talk a little bit about Texas Tech's defense and why that argument (with respect to Big XII defenses) is wrong.

For Red Raider fans, the defense took huge strides this year and the biggest reason for the improvement has been up front, in particular the play of the two defensive ends, Brandon Williams (1st in the conference) and McKinner Dixon (6th in the conference). As I'm sure that Rebel fans are aware, having two guys who can rush the passer makes everything easier, especially in the Big 12. In previous years, Texas Tech would have one talented pass rusher, but not much elsewhere, however, with the arrival of McKinner Dixon, it meant that teams had to focus on both defensive ends. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that quite a few of the defensive players had another year under their belt as 8 of 11 starters returned from last year. A big part of the team's success was/is continuity, plus the defensive coordinator's willingness to put the most talented players on the field rather than play players who were maybe more experienced but not as talented (remember, Leach replaced defensive coordinators in the middle of the year of 2007).


3. Who's the best player on your team that no one talks about? How do you think he can impact this game?

I know you only asked for one, but receiver Detron Lewis on offense and linebacker Brian Duncan on defense. Lewis is Michael Crabtree-lite. He is a big receiver with speed, agility, and were it not for the incredible Mr. Crabtree, Lewis would be and probably will be next year, a bonafide star. Duncan may be the best linebacker at Texas Tech since Zach Thomas. Of course, that can be interpreted that there haven't been that many good linebackers since that time, and that's probably true, but Duncan is one of those rare players who is athletically gifted and able to correctly read an offensive play.


4. What has made this season different than other recent Texas Tech seasons where a high-powered offense yielded an 8 win team?

Two of the things mentioned above: improved pass rush and improved running game. Again, the improved pass rush made it easier on the team in general from top to bottom. A better pass rush helps the secondary, which allows for the safeties to help the run, which allows the linebackers to play a little more free in space, etc. It's cyclical.

The running game has really been a revelation this year. Texas Tech went from 3.13 yards a rush in 2007 to 4.71 in 2008 and there's no doubt that Leach has learned that a more balanced attack is a better offense. This may surpsise some folks, but I believe that Leach could care less about the passing statistics, it's all about putting the ball in the endzone, that's the ultimate goal, although I do think he believes that passing the ball is a more efficient way of accomplishing that goal. In any event, Leach's reliance on the rush meant that Harrell threw for 1,000 less yards than last year and 100 less plays, but more than 4 points more per game than in 2007. In fact, don't be surprised if you see a two tight-end set or a two running back set on Friday.


5. What is your prediction for the game? How will it play out?

I think this one is closer than many Texas Tech fans would like for it to be. I've always thought that one of the equalizers for the spread offensie is an athletic defense (i.e. Ole Miss) and if the defensive front can put pressure on Harrell and force him to make some bad throws then I really like the Rebels chances. However, I'm not sure how well Ole Miss will match up with Crabtree and Lewis on defense as these are two bigger receivers, one of them will be a top 5 pick in April's NFL draft. There's more size in the Texas Tech receiving corp than some might think and I think that's going to be the toughest matchup for the Rebels. I think Texas Tech is going to win every game (I'll be disappointed if you don't feel the same way about Ole Miss) so I'll take Texas Tech, 38-35.

I don't see his questions and Juco's answers just yet but when I do I'll link 'em up.

New Years Resolutions

Here are a few resolution ideas I came up with which will hopefully lead to a happier, healthier 2009. If any of these apply to you, I suggest you heavily consider them because I put at least 2 or 3 minutes of thought into this.

Oh, and for the inquiring mind: no, I'm not doing anything at work. Apparently I didn't get the memo about not showing up on the 31st.


Denizens of Lubbock - Start driving hybrids, lest you want global warming to increase the severity of your weekly dust storms. Also, do it because Al Gore said so; he invented the damned Internet, lawya.

SEC Referees - Just forget that the replay even exists in college football.

Jerrell Powe - Lose 30 pounds and finally surmount the great literary challenge of completing your first Nancy Drew novel.

Our Rebel frontcourt - Learn to box out and stop being sissies.

Our Rebel backcourt - Grow some ACL's that aren't made of crepe paper or porcelain.

Greg Hardy - Finally get over the "hump" and take the stationery industry by storm.

Mike Oher and Peria Jerry - Buy a lot of cars 'n' shit.

Kent Austin - First, stop sounding like a Canuck. Second, show the SEC West's new diciples of the spread (Petrino, Mullen, and Malzhan) how real quarterbacks play football.

Tracy Rocker - Finally defeat Ted Laurent in an Abner's eating contest. Going 0-11 on the year is pathetic, Trace.

Andy Kennedy - Sign on with the US Department of Homeland Security.

The entire football team - Just freakin' beat Bama for once, alright?

Dexter McCluster - Evolve suction-cupped fingertips (EVILoution works that way, right?).

Womens Rifle Team - Just continue to keep us compliant with Title IX and we won't ask any questions.

Bobby Petrino - Update your resume on Monster.com.

Rascal Flatts - Find some other shitty midday regional football broadcast through which to peddle your "music." Bob that HeAaAaAaAaAaD the fuck on out of here. If Johnny Cash were still alive and if Haggard weren't confined to his drug-ravaged 71-year-old body they'd make a grease stain out of all of you faster than you can put that there gel in your hair.

Arkansas Fans - Get hobbies; lots of 'em. This, of course, does not apply to you, Gonzohog. You just keep on keepin' on.

ESPN - Stop being biased against the SEC! You arrogant New England/West Coast types make me sick! You obviously hate everything about us! Oh, and thanks for the $2+ billion, 15-year
TV deal... you YUPPIE ASSHOLES!



Have you got any others? Feel free to submit them via comment.
Have a save and happy new year, everybody. Don't drink and drive, have fun, get laid, et cetera.

YAW YAW YAW YAW Ed O's a Corndog!

I know it has been rumored for awhile now, but it appears official that the Hurricane known as the Orgeron shall be coming in on a swamp boat nearest you to Baton Rouge.

The Shrimp Captain's longtime friend, Bob Hebert, reported that he would be shocked if the Incredible Hulk did not take the job. Unfortunately, Bob's son T-Bob did not have a comment in the article.

Another interesting bit of tid is that St. Ed is set to make only 200,000 less than his salary here in Oxford and Hebert thinks LSU will pay him in the 600,000 range because they want to take care of him like only JoJo knows how.

Recruiting is not a problem at LSU and I think The Ogre is honestly overrated as a defensive line coach. I do not understand this hire or Chavis. Go ask Tennessee fans what they think of Chavis. I think Chavis may have one of the worst third and long efficiency ratings in the SEC.

Miles could be going the way of Larry Coker soon.

Women of the Opposition: Texas Tech

Lubbock, Texas is known for more than just being the home of Texas Tech and the 11-1 Red Raiders. They have good cattle, tornadoes, tumbleweeds and they add thumbs to the more traditional number one hand signal.

However, upon extensive research, I have realized that the Red Raiders have some serious talent when it comes to the ladies.

Seriously.

Do they give out breast implants with swim team scholarships in Lubbock? Good Lord.

While there are some outliers here and there, Texas Tech, I can salute your wimmens as the best we've seen all year. It's not saying much considering the likes of Alabama, Mississippi State and Florida, but it's something to say that you have fans that don't resemble the elephant man...or an elephant in general.

Is It Worth It?

I cannot watch much more of this garbage. I do not even want to call it basketball.

We have injuries. We are young. There is turmoil with the AK and the injuries have deflated team.

These arguments are valid but I do not care about them. The watchability meter for this game hovered somewhere around the Vanderbilt game or Deal or No Deal. There was no passion in this game, at least in what I watched. The play that sticks in my mind is when USM scored on an easy fast break created by no one getting back and Huertas loafing around in the paint allowing his man to beat him to the hoop for an easy basket. Story of the game.

Rebounding? Reality check here after the FAMU game, I hope no one got too optimistic after that game by the way. This stat actually was the reason I turned the game off and subjected myself to an NBA game: USM - 15 Ole Miss - 5. That was the rebounding mark in the second half with about 10 minutes left to play.

Cannot wait for SEC play! And I'm ready for Dallas.

P.S. I know I sound like one of the Woe is me fans and jumping off the bandwagon people. It has been a long week.

Who Are These Guys? Nostalgia Quiz Edition!

This may be lost on the public at large, but some people in the left-wing mainstream media have derided Graham Harrell for being a "system quarterback." They think that just because Texas Tech does not have a tradition of outstanding professional quarterbacks that Harrell will be another in a long line of NFL busts from Lubbock. "How dare they," I ask with repudiating disgust. Do they even know to what heights the proteges of Mike Leach have soared since their glorious seasons at the helm of the HMS Red Raider? Do you?

For your edification, play along in the little game I am calling "Who Are These Guys? Texas Tech Nostalgia!" It's the fun-for-all-ages quiz that asks you to choose which of the three listed fates is the actual one befallen former Texas Tech greats Kliff Kingsbury, Sonny Cumbie, and B.J. Symons. Let's begin Round 1!

Kliff Kingsbury
This Red Raider superstar played in 43 games, passing for 12,429 yards in his collegiate career. But what became of him after Lubbock?
(a) Kingsbury was drafted but never played in the league. Ironically, he is now coaching quarterbacks for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He and Saskatchewan GM (and Ole Miss alum) will be sitting together at the Cotton Bowl.
(b) Kingsbury spent three seasons in the NFL, playing only during his third and final. In 2007, while playing for the Montreal Alouettes, he was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for another historical footnote - 2002 Heisman finalist Brad Banks. He is currently a member of the University of Houston staff in a non-coaching position.
(c) Kingsbury signed a free agent contract with Denver, but never made a roster. He started a graduate program with his alma mater before deciding, novelly, instead to take the head coaching job at Kingsbury High School in, you guessed it, Kingsbury, Texas.

B.J. Symons
Symons set the single-season passing record in his only season as the starting quarterback at Texas Tech with 5,833 yards. And then...
(a) Symons sat behind David Carr at Houston for one season and was just one of many train-wreck options at quarterback for the Chicago Bears in 2006. Currently, he plays in the Arena Football League.
(b) After his stint in Chicago, he was offered a comparatively large contract for the AFL, but turned it down for an office position in marketing and community development for the Cowboys.
(c) Exhausted with living a double-life for many years, Symons became a full-time douche and important advocate for the douche lifestyle.

Sonny Cumbie
Cumbie led the Red Raiders to a surprising victory over #4 Cal in the 2004 Holiday Bowl. But thereafter...
(a) Cumbie almost landed the best job in football - backup to Peyton Manning - but was, predictably, cut. He plays for the Los Angeles Avengers and does color commentary for the Red Raider Network.
(b) Cumbie went where NFL dreams go to die - Europe. He took the Frankfurt Galaxy to the final World Bowl in 2007. He was recently hired as offensive coordinator for the University of North Alabama.
(c) Cumbie and his life partner, Jason White, were married in Massachusetts in May. They own a florist in El Paso and have sued the State of Texas for marital recognition. The case, styled Cumbie v. Texas, is currently on the docket in the federal district court for the Western District of Texas.

Best of luck! The answers are in the comments.

This "Landshark" Gimmick isn't at all Overdone

Guest contributor: really anybody from the Spirit or Rivals free boards


ARE?! YOU!? READDYYYY!?!!

I know I am. I'm headed to DALLAS soon to watch Jevan Sneed, Gerald Poe, and the rest of our REBS beat the tar outta those Texas Tech DEAD Raiders! Teh Big 12 sucks and cant play DEFENSE like the SEC! I konw we're going to beat Texas Tech because we've got something which they have never seen... THE LANDSHARKS!



LMAO @ TYSON LEE!!! YEAH!!! HOTTY TODDY GO REBELS GO!!!

I don't give a hoot whether or not they've got some OVERRATED quarterback and wide reciever because they're probably going to have to change their pants (after they doodoo in them) after seeing this video!!


If they don't know anything about the landsharks, perhaps they should ask those LEGHUMPIN' BULLFRAUDS!!! And those bayou kitties! WATCH THE VIDEO AGAIN!

I've been watching Jaws while drinking LANDSHARK beer to get pumped up for this one. WHOO! I love Jimmy BUffett!

You've got LANDSHARKS to your Left! LANDSHARKS to your right! And you're the only Dead GAYder in town!!!1

Catchy, huh? I only wish the Techies were the Blue Raiders so I could wear my RED sharkfin hat! Guns up, whatever more like FINS UP!!

LANDSHARK!

New RSC Poll: Who's crazier?

Friday afternoon will feature some interesting matchups. Everyone will undoubtedly compare Texans Graham Harrell and Jevan Snead; observe Tech's offensive line battle the Rebel defensive line; and debate the merits of the two completely different football philosophies on display. However, no matchup is more intriguing than that of the battle for the "most batshit bonkers head coach" title which will be up for grabs between Mike "Yarrrgghh" Leach and Houston "Giggity, let us pray" Nutt.

Mike Leach shows up at local news stations, has a fascination with pirates, and generally spouts off long-winded yet eloquent diatribes about nothing while staring off into space. He also runs a pretty precisely timed spread.

Houston Nutt gesticulates like a person having hallucinations that they are on fire, shouts incoherently, and has a wacky smile which screams "I'm on barbiturates."

It's a tough decision to make, so I'm leaving it up to you, Cup fans. And, just for shiggles, I'm throwing in a third candidate:

Chaining a hyena is pretty fucking insane

By the way: I know that giving a person three choices to determine who's craziER is technically grammatically incorrect. But, c'mon, this is so a two horse race. Hyena guy doesn't stand a damn chance.

Texas Tech Hate Week

It's on, Tech. Put your guns up or whatever that shit is because you're going to need it.

TLV #70

Click the graphic for the full PDF. Look below for our column as written by The Ghost of Jay Cutler.

-----

Rebels, the time is nigh. On January 2nd, we will have made our long anticipated return to postseason college football play and we must make sure to convince all observers not of the Ole Miss persuasion that we're going to be here for awhile. To effectively do this, we must convincingly defeat a team which many feel are worthy of a BCS title in some bizarre, Texan universe: the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

This will not be an easy task. Texas Tech was a mere 44-point ass-beating at the hands of the all-worldly Oklahoma Sooners away from being the undeniable number one team in the land and has some excellent, Heisman-worthy talent on the offensive side of the ball. If we're not careful, these Red Raiders could score at will against our Rebel D and simply keeping up with the offensive pace that they will undoubtedly set will be a challenge.

I don't mean to alarm you, dear reader, and I don't mean to sound like a pessimist. While this bowl opponent could prove to be one of the most difficult we've ever attempted to surmount, a Rebel victory is nowhere close to impossible and our team and coaches are putting together a helluva game plan to take care of business on the field.

Now, we, the fans, must put together our game plan to deal with these pesky west Texans off of the field. While there certainly isn't a definitive and brief (key word) list detailing all of the problems one could potentially encounter with this, err, unique fanbase, I'm going to do my best to arm you with the tools and knowledge you'll unquestionably use over these next two weeks.
So, without much more ado, I present to you The Red [REDACTED] Cup's Guide to "Understanding" the Red Raiders.

-They're all from rural west Texas. Don't logically assume that there are Red Raiders from the *ahem* sophisticated metropolises of Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. While they may have mailing addresses or even own real estate in these areas, their hearts and minds are held captive in Lubbock. Flat terrain, dust storms, alcoholism, and grizzled characters fit for Cormac McCarthy novels are all that they will ever know. Just picture Yosemite Sam with an engineering degree and a generally vulgar demeanor and you've got a Texas Tech fan.

-Their students have the air of a an MTV show about them. Shiny hair gel, baggy pants, and black tees are all the rage right about now on the Tech campus. Couple that with a few "brahsephs," petty drama, and Smirnoff Ices and you've basically got The Real World: Lubbock every day among their student population. They're loud, crude, begging of your attention, and unapologetically obnoxious. Why is this? Well, most of this is due to the fact that...

-They suffer from a horrible case of "Little Brother Syndrome." This season is the greatest Tech season in recent memory, if not ever, and they're still not even the most relevant team in their own state. Hell, it would be hard to argue them as historically being anything better than the 5th most relevant NCAA program in the Lone Star State. Just imagine a larger, louder Southern Miss in an inconsequential city on the Texan plains. The world is out to get them and they know it. If the oftentimes bizarre attitude of the Ole Miss fanbase can be attributed to historical relevance, the same for Texas Tech could be attributed to decades of people forgetting about their existence.

Tread lightly and carefully, Rebels. We've got quite a foe with which we will be dealing and it's going to take a complete effort on our collective behalf in order to vanquish them. Hotty Toddy; I'll see you in Dallas.

What'd you get for Christmas?

Oh, really? That's neat. Though, it's not as neat as this:
Yep. That's a RSC cross-stitching. No, I don't routinely hang out with old ladies; I've just got some creative friends with interesting hobbies. To the young lady who put this together for me, thank you very much. It's on my nightstand so if you're ever in the mood to make an irreversibly regrettable decision you'll get the chance to see it again.

We're Back and the final part of the SEC Power Poll All-SEC DLine

Alright, alright, you can all quit your bellyaching.

Between Christmas and one of us getting hitched two days thereafter we've been doing the whole "friends and family" thing. No, we're not going to apologize.

Get over it.

Now, to pick up where we left off.

I'm surprised Jefferson still has a head attached to his neck.

Peria Jerry is a bad, bad dude. He will ruin you. I mean absolutely, positively, motherfucking ruin you. This season has seen what may be the single greatest Ole Miss defensive line ever. There is star power at every starting position and potential star power a few spots deep on the depth chart. The typical adjectives used to positively describe linemen--big, strong, quick, athletic--certainly apply here. However, Peria Jerry, while all of the above, can best be described as "determined."

I'm not the biggest guy, and I'm definitely not the strongest guy. But I'm going to be there all day.

Peria Jerry was featured recently in a piece by Scott Cacciola of the Memphis Commercial Appeal and that quote, attributed to Jerry, really stood out to me. When compared to Ted Laurent or Jerrel Powe, Jerry certainly isn't the biggest or strongest guy out there. But, whatever he "lacks" in size and strength is made up for by his incredibly competitive drive and "never-give-up" attitude.

Towards the end of the LSU game, it became apparent that Jerry had simply worn his blockers down. They were all likely bigger, stronger, and more highly rated recruits but, literally, none of that mattered; Jerry was beating their asses off of the line and creating chaos in the trenches and backfield.

He brings 100% on every single down which is exactly how he beats you. By the end of the game, he's unblockable.

I know they're confident, and rightfully so, but I can't imagine Graham Harrell and the Red Raider OLine not at all worried about lining up against Peria Jerry and his legion of despair. They're going to bring it and, if Harrell and co. aren't careful, the Cotton Bowl could end very, very poorly for the Red Raiders.

Congratulations on everything, Peria. You're a team captain, an All American, and, most importantly, one of the greatest defensive tackles in the SEC according to a legion of bloggeurs.

To come: our piece in the most recent edition of The Local Voice, the most badass Christmas gift EVAR, and the beginning of Texas Tech hate week.

Merry Christmas from The Red [REDACTED] Cup

Updates have been slow around here for very obvious reasons. Everyone, enjoy your holidays with rest, relaxation, and family. You've earned it.

Preseason Baseball Rankings

The folks over at Collegiate Baseball magazine released their preseason rankings and have the Rebels in 11th right now.

They also have selected The Bittler as preseason first team All-America. Hopefully he stays healthy and the baseball team can avoid what the basketball team is currently going through.
This is the second team All America team that Bittle has been named to. Bittle was also named to the Brooks Wallace Watch List earlier this month as well, which is an award for the top collegiate pitcher.

The Return of the Bittler

Ole Miss vs FAMU Recap

Rebels had a good showing against FAMU, which is to be expected.  Concern over the game was legitimate given the events of the past few days, but the Rebels came out strong and buried the Rattlers 86-63. 

The Rebels also got encouraging performances from some players at positions that they desperately need to see increased production from. 

Will "The Lil Spud" Bogan did not play too bad.  From listening to Kellum in the second half it sounded like he played within himself and the offense ran smoothly.  The last I heard, he only had two turnovers and that’s all you can ask for from a true freshman point guard who is getting significant playing time for the first time in his career.  Maybe he'll become ridiculously ripped and be the next Todd Abernathy.  Because he can only be compared to a former white point guard since this is Ole Miss, right?  I know the nickname is incredibly gay, it is what I was going for with it.

Terrico White had a pretty good game tonight as well with a career high 18 points.  He shot well from the floor, above 50%, and even picked up a few assists.  White knows he has to become the second guy after Huertas now, and tonight he showed some signs of growth.

Post play continues to improve as Malcolm and my boy Murphy Holloway got their ball on.  White had 18 points and tore it up from the field going only missing three shots.  He also collected 9 rebounds and tallied three more blocks.  Granted, it was FAMU but that’s a great stat line for Malcolm and another game that can help give him more confidence.

Murphy Holloway continues to impress me.  In our first game I told a few people that I thought he would be the best of the freshman class and I still think that is a possibility, although Terrico has the most upside.  Holloway was everywhere on the boards this game, seemed like Kellum called his name on every other rebound in the second half as he finished with 16 on the night.  I also really like the way he finishes and is able to create for himself without the ball.  He moves better than any other player on the team without the ball, at least from my viewing. 

Terrance Henry is still very much a project and really needs to get in contact with our old friend Jared Foster.  

 For me, the stat of the game tonight has to be the rebounding margin.  Rebels – 47 FAMU – 22.

A Little Gloating

Every now and again it is appropriate to recognize those who have gone before us - not dead people, just great people. So, this message goes out to Matt Jones, Rex Grossman, David Greene, Jay Cutler, Brodie Croyle, Jamarcus Russell, all those Clausens, D.J. Shockley, and any other notable quarterback in the SEC from the last decade:

Wassup, lawya? Ole Miss Hotty Toddy gettin' that home-field advantage up da league. Get psyched, son; y'all gotta bring dat weak sauce to New York!

Also, shouts go out to Deuce McAllister, who was one of many Saints to score yesterday against the hapless Detroit Lions, and Ken Lucas, who temporarily staved off eventual defeat by the New York Football Giants by tackling Derrick Ward at the end of his 51-yard run to practically cinch the New York win.

SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team: Terrence Cody, presented by Sir Issac Newton

If ye ever discover thyself so braeve as to delve into mine Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, ye will not conclude my fascination with one Lord Terrence of Cody to be unusual. For, as a scholar of the most basic physical characteristics of all worldly mass, Terrence of Cody affords me both incredible excitement and luxurie.

Please, allow me, if you could, to explain. In the physical scientificum, "masse" refers to the degree of acceleration a body could acquire when subject to a force. Within this realme, acceleration is the term which describes the changes in velocity over time. In the purest words, we compute this value by calculating the derived form of velocity with respect to time, or equivalently as the second derivative of position. This is, quite natureally, a vectored quantitie.

Ah but, prithee do observe my faire student, I have yet to divulge into the mystical combination thereof: FORCE! Of upmost importance, force is that which can cause an object with masse to accelerate. Of course, the sciences surrounding this "force" are still so premature that a measurable unit thereof has yet to be assigned a proper, noble nomenclature!

Lord Terrence of Cody exploites his victimes through the unmerciful use of one of the most fear-inducing levels of force on the fields of battle. He possesses in a set the powerful combination of masse and acceleration which, as even the most plebian of plebians could observe, would naturally lead to Earth shattering force. Here, read my formulations:


Lord Terrence of Cody therefore becomes, as you vilest of men from the newest of worldes would have him referred in your most peculiare vernacular, "one scary motherfucker." If the words surrounding his desires to remain on the noble fields of Tuscaloosa are indeed of integrous fiber then his myraid of foes ought greatly to fear their darkened fates.

Lord Terrance of Cody, inspiration of the unwashed, huzzah to thee, sire!
(ed: Cody was a unanimous selection to this poll)

FAMU Preview

Ole Miss is set to usher in the Will Bogan era tonight against Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, an era that Rebel fans hope is not going to last any longer than necessary. 

FAMU (2-8) has faced three other SEC opponents this season and have not fared too well.  They lost by significant amounts to Florida, Alabama, and what should be a hapless Arkansas team.  The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. and if you want to listen to it find it on the radio or sign up for RebelVision, I’ll probably stick to MNF.

Ole Miss Notes

It is going to be interesting to see how the staff handles the point guard position tonight.  I read some quotes from Michael White claming that Will Bogan had been having some good practices and it helps that he has been going against Chris in practice.  However, the staff also said I would be pleased with Kevin Cantinol, I am not.  Needless to say my expectation for Bogan are minimal right now.  

It is definitely going to have to be a point guard committee operation.  I know Terrico White played some point in high school, so he’ll get an opportunity, but beyond him and Bogan I don’t know who else is going to be running the point. 

Huertas has never impressed me with his ball control or handles, so I don’t know if we will see him bringing the ball up, but I guess Zach Graham is an option?  It is tough to say what the point guard rotation will be when your three-deep at the position is out for the season. 

These next few games will show us just how good of a shooter David Huertas is.  Kennedy is claiming he is the best shooter he has coached, and I will believe that if Huertas is able to maintain his numbers while fending off the double teams that are undoubtedly coming his way.

I thought the post game showed some improvement against Louisville.  Malcolm would have contributed if it weren't for foul trouble the entire game, Murphy Holloway was active on the boards and efficient from the floor, and Terrance Henry showed some good effort rebounding. The front court can also breathe a sigh of relief because with new weakness at point guard, they will no longer be the sole focal point of criticism regarding the team.

The Rebels need this game in the worst way.  The matchup against FAMU should allow the Rebels to do some experimenting with the lineup, while still being able to come away with an easy victory.  (I am knocking on wood)  Kennedy and his staff will use this game to figure out the point guard position and also hopefully continue the process of getting Malcolm White to multi task (think and play) while he's in the game.

Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University

FAMU holds a special place in my heart because it is one of my earliest memories of a live sporting event, when I witnessed them lose to Memphis State in basketball by 50 points and saw the infamous Scientific Mapp man the point guard for the Rattlers.

FAMU has become famous for its marching band, known as the “Marching 100” that has been featured at the Grammy's and played with Prince at the Super Bowl.

Scouting the Rattlers

Lamar Twitty, another good name, leads FAMU with 11.8 points per game and Brandon Bryant who is averaging just less than 10 ppg is another key player for the Rattlers.  FAMU, as a team, has shot poorly from the field and behind the arc shooting 37% from the field on the season and in the high 20s from beyond the arc.  They are also awful from the free throw line at 53.4% on the season.  Defense has not been much better as opponents are averaging around 77 points against the Rattlers defense.

Notable Alumni

Some of FAMU’s notable alumni in sports include Andre “The Hawk” Dawson, Marquis Grissom (one of the oddest looking players in baseball), Quinn Gray, Jerome James* (one of the signings that highlighted Isiah Thomas debacle with the Knicks), and Fox sideline reporter Pam Oliver.

Politically, the oft-troubled mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick is an alumnus. 

Another alumnus that caught my eye is Cannonball Adderley.  If you are into jazz at all you probably know who he is, but if you do not get the Somethin’ Else album.

**Here are a few Jerome James quotes I was able to gather from Wikipedia.  If you are a follower of the NBA, you know James does not exactly have a sterling reputation and is better known for his laziness and the fact that he is a walking personal foul than he is for his basketball prowess. 

 James, when asked about his legacy with the Knicks, replied, "that’s not me. I’ve always had a passion for basketball and unfortunately, due to me not getting playing time, I wasn’t able to show ‘em that side of me. I want to show them that side and then I’ll get my ass out of here. I’ll leave. But y'all still gotta pay me though."

Once, when asked if he was concerned about his former coach commenting that he has a selfish attitude, replied, "I don't even know what he's talking about, I just worry about Jerome."

RSCumor, and it's a BIG one

According to a source of ours who is very well connected to the football program, Greg Hardy is going to stay in Oxford for his senior season. Please, please, please let this be true, sports Gods. You absolutely owe us.

Post Of the Month on Rivals

The whole landshark debate got a bit out of control, but this last post borders on the lines of insanity and retardation.

olemissrebels73 Two-Star Prospect Post #268 Rankin County, MS. I support Coach " K" 100 % this is a lame attempt.... Reply of a witch hunt against a successful white man who happen's to be a coach at Ole Miss. Just another liberal democratic political correctness attack against a white man from a radical minority and radical minority supporters.

I have no words...

SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team: Rahim Alem

This is the best photo I could find of the guy.

Rahim Alem, the second defensive end on the inaugural SEC Power Poll All-SEC team, has been a phenomenal defensive force for the Bayou Bengals this season. The Junior out of New Orleans tallied eight sacks, seven quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, a pair of pass deflections, and a blocked kick.

However, despite these successes, I will most vividly remember Rahim Alem for a very brief and inconsequential moment of moronic douchedom. Do you remember how, just before Snead took the final knee in Death Valley, he thought it cute to jump offsides and rough-up Mike Oher a little bit? Yeah, that was lame.

And stupid; who in the hell lines up against Michael Oher and thinks, "you know, I'd like to do my best to anger this hairless Yeti standing accross from me" and then actually follows through with it? It's a good thing for Mr. Alem that the game was winding down because that could have ended very, very poorly.

Watch it, Rahim.

Alright, so I'm biased. What else do you expect from an Ole Miss blog?

In all seriousness though, congratulations are in order for LSU and Rahim Alem for his selection to the SEC Power Poll All-SEC team. We're bloggers, dammit. We know what we're doing here and this should be taken as an honor of the highest caliber.


Up next: the SEC blogosphere's selection as our conferences best defensive tackles.

Chris Warren RSCUMOR

Word from a source close to the team, I am being legit here, is that Warren is out for the season.

I am guessing it is an ACL injury, which was the first thing that popped into my head when he went down.

Anyways, I am praying that this is not true but I think it is bad news no matter what the outcome. 

Score one more for the sports gods.

EDIT: The Clarion Ledger is confirming that Rebel basketball 2008-2009 is officially a mulligan.

SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team: Robert Ayers

For your insomniac/early bird special, we help will roll out the inaugural SEC Power Poll All-SEC team by covering the defensive line.

First, we'll introduce Robert Ayers, one-half of the defensive ends on this team.


Ayers, a senior Volunteer from Cilo, South Carolina, was initially recruited to Knoxville to play linebacker. After putting on 40 pounds, however, Ayers possessed ideal size and athleticism to become one of the SEC's premier defenders. Statistically, Ayers racked up 49 total tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-a-loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pass deflection, 6 quarterback hurries, and 1 forced fumble. Ayers is projected to a be a later-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft and has the potential for a promising NFL career. Obviously, Ayers was a bright spot on this season's uncharacteristically struggling Tennessee team.

Stay tuned on Friday for the second all-SEC defensive end per the ever wise SEC blogosphere.

For the rest of the SEC Power Poll All-SEC coverage, visit Team Speed Kills.

A Bloggeur's Rant on Minority Coaching, Southern Stereotypes, et al

Hey, did you know that Syracuse turned Turner Gill down? Yes, the program which most resembles the bombed-out and depleted Afghan countryside turned down the man who coached Division 1A’s previous Afghan lookalike to a conference championship.

What, you didn’t know? Well, why in the hell not?

Oh yeah, because you couldn’t hear over Charles Barkely (and others) crying “race” because of Auburn’s snubbing of Gill for Gene Chizik.

Was racism involved in the whirlwind circus that was the Auburn head coaching search? It’s hard to say for sure, but I, for one, would be inclined to think so. Of course, the fans, players, university, and athletics administrators could not likely care less about their head coach’s ethnicity (and I mean this with absolute sincerity). The network of G.O.B. boosters which exist at many, many schools including Auburn and who ultimately control who are and aren’t hired are the likely source of this problem. Yes, crusty, old, white men who still think the world works in a way akin to an episode of Leave it to Beaver likely don’t take incredibly kindly to minorities; especially the empowered variety who decide to *gasp* marry white people.

It is a problem and it is real.

But why is it that in many, many sports issues when the SEC is involved, race immediately becomes an issue?

Let’s be frank: a great deal of unwarranted pressure is placed on the SEC with regards to minority coaching. Nebraska turned Gill down last season and, as previously mentioned, Syracuse did the same this season. Yet, nobody’s out to paint the Big XII or Big East as racists. Neither the Big XII, Pac 10, Big 10, Big East, nor the SEC have black head coaches. The only black head coach in BCS football is Miami’s Randy Shannon who, after doing an excellent job thus far in rebuilding the proud Hurricanes program, has just as much job security as the next guy.

Maybe this is because, as the nation’s premier conference (don’t even get me started, Big XII dissenters), all eyes are upon us.

Maybe this is because the talking heads both really seem to like Tommy Tuberville and Turner Gill. While they’re both certainly deserving of media love, the admiration could explain the heightened attention to the situation.

Or maybe, just maybe, this is because the idea of the SEC being populated (or perhaps simply controlled) by a slew of bigots fits neatly in the ideas and perceptions many have about the South. Let’s be honest: we’re supposed to be backwards, racist, illiterates who have but the slightest clue of modern technology. The fact that our football conference leads the college football universe in attendance, revenue generation, NFL star production, BCS titles, and TV deals (ESPN = the new SEC network) does not fit into these preconceived notions.

Look, America is confusing. Never before have so many different peoples been so agreeably and successfully unified. We’re all so very different yet all so very alike. Because of this confusion, people fabricate ideas (poor, racist Southerners; arrogant, latté-sipping Bay Area dwellers; rude, smartassed New Yorkers; et cetera) in an attempt to make sense of everything and, when these prejudices don’t exactly work out as hoped, they freak out a little.

In all fairness, many people couldn’t give much more of a shit. But to pretend as if anti-Southern prejudices do not exist is some real-deal, Auburn-booster-style ignorance.

Racism certainly is a problem in college football, but it’s certainly not as big of a problem as the Charles Barkleys of the world would have you believe. Furthermore, the problem is not isolated to a particular geography. You’d be ignorant to suggest otherwise.

How can it be fixed?

Honestly, I feel this problem will remedy itself over the next few seasons. Many (white) head coaches have hired diverse assistant coaching staffs which have put several minority coaches on the fast track to head coaching status. As we all know, being a majorly contributing coordinator is the easiest way to get your foot in the door to becoming a head coach. Schools are hesitant to hire folks with little experience and success beyond the coordinator level regardless of race. If a concerted effort was placed in preparing minority candidates for eventual head coaching roles instead of simply crying “race” when big-name programs don’t put all their eggs in an inexperienced, overvalued basket we would relatively quickly and agreeably eliminate this issue.

There are plenty of deserving candidates of varying backgrounds for numerous coaching positions across the country. If the fans, players, and administrators had a greater say in these matters, I feel we’d be able to realize this more clearly.


To coach Gill: you'll get your shot one day. Keep-on keepin'-on with that wifey of yours.

What We've Learned

I have been disappointed with David Brandt's Ole Miss coverage before, but he has been a hawk today, and he is reporting that not only will Andy Kennedy be on the floor tonight, but that he will, furthermore, be cleared of all charged.

We also have, courtesy of Brandt, a statement from Coach Kennedy's brother, Steve, who tells us that Andy was out for a "late night dinner" with some old Cincy friends (after the teams' 11:00 pm meeting), that Kennedy and four other members of the staff hailed a cab, and that the cabbie called Torrey Ward that word that is colloquially used to describe the sheriff of Rock Ridge. I'm not ready to lock up AK for hate crimes. To me, though, it still all sounds a little fishy, and I bet Banker Pete is kicking himself on the chance that he didn't include some provision for this sort of thing in Kennedy's contract.

Finally, we have also been reminded, once again, that State fans blow. Here is a bad touch conversation between two of them on one of Brandt's posts:

NashvilleBulldawg: FIRST!
ethanoldawg: NB I knew I should have posted quicker. I'm proud of you !
NashvilleBulldawg: Thank you, good sir. Congrats on being second.
NashvilleBulldawg: Man, it's sad but true: the rebel board is a ghost town, even with a story like this.

Internet supremacy has come to Starkville. Huzzah!

More Information Regarding Andy Kennedy's Arrest

Would you like to see the police report? Click here (PDF).

Would you like to see a part of the police report already being proven untrue? Well that's right here.

Would you like to hear the coaches side of the incident? Here.

Here's an official statement released by the university this afternoon with regards to the situation.

In response to the charges made against Ole Miss Head Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy in Cincinnati, OH, Thursday morning, Athletics Director Pete Boone and Coach Kennedy issued the following statements:

"Clearly, this is an unfortunate situation. However, after a full discussion with Andy Kennedy and his staff, who were with him, I have the utmost confidence that once all the facts are known, Coach Kennedy will be cleared of all charges," said Boone, who is with the team.

"I regret this situation," Kennedy said. "The focus should be on the players and the game, not on me. I vehemently deny the charges levied against me, and am completely confident that I will be fully exonerated of all charges."

Coach Kennedy will continue his coaching duties.

I don't know what to beleive, so I'm not about to sit here and tell you what to beleive. I will say this though: Pete Boone and Robert Khayat would not in any way, shape, or form stand behind Andy Kennedy in this situation if they did not feel that he had a good chance of being acquitted. That is my glimmer of hope, dammit.

Andy Kennedy Arrested

Yeah. You read it right. Andy Kennedy was arrested when he arrived to Cincinatti for the Big East / SEC Matchup.

No comment on the story until we learn more.

I'll just say that I hope it's not true because I really do believe that Andy Kennedy is a good basketball coach, and I want to hold onto him.

Is The SEC Overrated?

Disclaimer: Basketball Post and I'm too tired to finish what I wanted to do with this post. I may go back and edit it in the morning.

I'm not sure if anyone is still reading, but I am going to talk about the state of the SEC basketball right now. In between last night's double header on ESPN2 I was talking to some friends about how the SEC was struggling so far this seaso. I was accompanied by a Tennessee fan, but the rest were fans of mid-major programs (mainly Memphis, who is only mid-major by conference affiliation) and they were arguing that the SEC is always overrated as a basketball conference.

Granted, the SEC is clearly a football first conference, but it is it really fair to say it is the Big 10 of the basketball world? The argument with a couple of disillusioned Tiger fans is not what piqued my interest in this debate. I remember last season, while perusing the ESPN basketball boards, reading plenty of SEC hate from the ACC/Big East fans saying that the SEC was overrated every season. That always bothered me.

I'll start out by admitting that this season and last have been very poor for SEC hoops. Right now we only have one team in the Top 25 (Tennessee) and have LSU on the verge of making the jump into the rankings. Teams with high hopes at the start of the season (Alabama, Ole Miss, Kentucky, State, Florida) have yet to show anything that warrants praise and the leaders of the conference right now are only there because they failed to schedule anyone worthwhile during their out of conference play.

Last season, the SEC was able to send six teams to the Big Dance, but most of these were bubble teams that may or may not have deserved their bids: Arkansas (9), Tennessee (2), Vandy (4), Mississippi State (8), Kentucky (11) and Georgia (14).

The only team worth anything out of that group was Tennessee. Arguments could be made against the rest of the teams being left out, except for Vandy and Georgia (automatic bid).

In the tournament the SEC finished with a 4-6 record, with wins that included Arkansas over a tumultuous Indiana team (Sampson situation) and Tennessee's scrimmage against American. A win over a very overrated Butler team by Tennessee and State's win over Oregon were the only decent showings by an SEC squad in the Tournament. What happened to the Vols when they faced their first legitimate opponent? They lost by 19 to Louisville, who had at this point in the season had overcome the injuries/suspensions that plagued them earlier. I am including this information just so I can show that there is a basis for the argument against SEC basketball.

However, I do not see how people can look at the 2006 and 2007 seasons and say that the SEC is overrated as a basketball conference. Maybe rebuilding, but not overrated.

In the 2006 season, the SEC sent 6 teams to the only post season tournament that matters and finished the Tournament with a 13-5 record and had two teams in the final four and the National Champion. The SEC was able to tally wins over Duke (1), Marquette (7), Texas (2) Villanova (1), and UCLA (2). The SEC's 6 teams put them second in conference representation behind the Big East who has 1000 teams in its conference and is a piss-poor excuse for a BCS football conference, just saying.

2007 was a similar situation for the SEC as it sent 5 teams to the Tournament and compiled an 11-4 record in the Tournament and once again had the National Champions while having three of the 16 teams in the Sweet 16, who lost on last second shots in their games in the quarter finals.

So what has been the problem for the SEC? It's pretty simple. Youth. The SEC is definitely in a rebuilding mode right now as you are seeing tons of young talent begin to emerge around the conference. At Kentucky, Gillespie is recruiting plenty of talent such as Deandre Liggins, Florida and Donovan are stockpiling for another run shortly, Ole Miss has no seniors on this year's squad and will only have two next season, State is restocking after losing a trio of seniors with a solid freshman class right now, Alabama just had one of its best classes in a few years, and Tennessee has some of the most exciting young talent in the SEC with Woolridge, Maze and Hopson.

So yes, the SEC is down this season, but it is not overrated and will be back for next season, if they don't turn it around when conference play kicks up in January.

Bowl Pick'em

We decided to use the same website for the Bowl Pick'em that we used during the regular season. They've set everything up for us.

Here is the link to join.

I have already auto-invited everyone who did the regular season pick'em. Still, just click the link to make sure that you get an invite.

Also remember that whoever wins the pick'em gets Cotton Bowl merchandise. You can check out all the AT&T Cotton Bowl merchandise here. We're hoping we get the rugby shirt.

Cotton Bowl Remembered

Recently, a representative from the Cotton Bowl sent us an e-mail to discuss a poll that they were conducting over at their website. Having discussed it at length with them, we felt it was worthy of a post on our blog. Here is the entirety of her e-mail to us.

Hope you’ve had a nice Friday. As the Rebels gear up for their matchup against the Red Raiders, thought you might be interested in a little Cotton Bowl history… it has had many memorable moments in its 72 years. Now here's your chance to choose THE Greatest Moment in Cotton Bowl History for a chance to win tickets to the 2009 or 2010 game! Go to www.attcottonbowl.com/vote or AT&T customers can text A, B or C to 7313. Choose from three classic plays selected by the Cotton Bowl Committee:

· A: The “Bench Tackle” of 1954

· B: The “Fourth-Down Catch” in 1970

· C: “Montana’s Miracle Comeback” in 1979

There is no limit to the number of votes you cast, and voters are automatically entered for a chance to win tickets to the 2009 or 2010 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. The Greatest Moment winner will be announced at the 2009 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic on January 2 in Dallas.

We are currently in talks with this nice woman to get a media pass to the game as well as merchandise that we can give away to you all. Please go vote on one of their three cotton bowl moments. My favorite is "Bench Tackle" because the player thought, for a moment, that refs wouldn't notice when he ran onto the field.

We are going to give away the Cotton Bowl merchandise (most likely a hat) based on who wins a bowl pick'em that we will launch later today. I hope you'll all participate in that since we actually have a prize to give now.

I'll have the bowl pick'em set up very soon.

Not Very Brief Louisville Preview

Ole Miss is set to face what will more than likely be its toughest opponent of the year Thursday as it faces off against #9 Louisville in Cincinnati. The game tips at 8 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN, hooray!*

Louisville is 6-1 on the season with their lone loss coming to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, which shows that this team is definitely fallible. With the loss of Courtney Lee to the NBA, the Hilltoppers are not the upset threat that they were last season so their win against Louisville should provide a small glimmer of hope for the Rebels.

The game is going to be a homecoming of sorts for Rebels head coach Andy Kennedy as he spent a few years under West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins in Cincinnati and served as the Bearcats interim coach for the 2005-2006 season and developed strong support from the Bearcat faithful. The fans in Cincinnati have not forgotten the run Kennedy had in the 05-06 season where he nearly (read: should have but was looked over by the selection committee) put the Bearcats in the Tournament after its rocky start due to suspensions, injuries and controversy. This could provide the Rebels with a few more fans than expected in Cincinnati.

It’s also helpful that Louisville, traditionally, plays its worst basketball at the start of the season. It seems that Louisville starts every season around the top 10 in the nation because they are consistently overrated, and then fades until they make some noise in Big East play. I am sure someone can correct me on that stat because I put zero research into it and am just going on what I have seen over the past few seasons.

If the Rebels want to be competitive against Louisville they are going to have find a way to rebound the basketball. Malcolm White showed promise against Alabama State collecting 9 rebounds for the Rebels, and Deaundre Cranston has shown he can be a capable rebounder at times (see 12 rebounds against UCF). It’s the freshmen that will have to step it up for the Rebels. Holloway and Henry are undersized, but they have to increase their aggression on the glass, Huertas is 6’5” and is out rebounding those two.

They also have to establish a post game offensively. Louisville is going to have an answer for the Warren/Huertas combination, they’re too good of a team not to: a) be able to scheme around those two. b) have a player capable of hanging with them on the perimeter

Holloway has come on as of late and put it in 15 against Alabama State. His athleticism and knack for finishing around the basket when necessary could be beneficial for the Rebels against an athletic Louisville team. Malcolm White will also have to go above and beyond his 12-point output against Alabama State. White needs to establish himself early and realize that he can back down defenders. He is too complacent offensively and really needs to gain confidence on the blocks. The third player the Rebels need to break out is Terrance Henry. Henry is rail thin so I see why he is having trouble adapting to Division 1 basketball, but he needs to put his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor to more use. Down the road, if he bulks up, Henry can be a Wayne Chism type player, but right now the Rebels need him to increase his tenacity on the boards and take players off the dribble.

Defensively, the Rebels need to hope for a poor shooting night by the Cardinals. I have not seen anything from the Rebel defense that leads me to believe that they have an answer for anyone’s offense, especially after they just let Alabama State put up 81 points.

The Matchups:

Chris Warren versus Jerry Smith

OM – Warren is second on the team in scoring and third in the SEC in scoring so far this season. A lot has been demanded of Warren with the injuries to Polynice and Gaskins and he is doing more than his fair share in trying to get the Rebels back on track. Warren is still one of the best point guards in the SEC and should prevent some problems for Louisville.

UL – Smith has been platooning the point guard spot with senior Andre McGee. Smith is averaging eight points a game and is shooting over 40 percent from beyond the three-point line this season. The other potential starter at point for Louisville, McGee, is averaging nearly five points a game and is second on the team in steals, but has a less than stellar assist to turnover ratio.

Advantage Ole Miss

David Huertas versus Preston Knowles

OM – Huertas is tearing up the league right now averaging 21 points per contest, which puts him second in the SEC and in the top 20 nationally. Huertas isn’t compiling these numbers by putting up 20 shots a game, but rather by hitting everything he puts up. Huertas is scorching the net shooting 47% from long range, 54% overall and 80% from the charity stripe

UL – The two spot is another area where the Cardinals have been rotating starters, at least that’s the way it seems from the box scores and season stats. Knowles will probably get the start here after putting up 21 points on 8-11 shooting in their last game against Austin Peay. One advantage the Rebels could have is that both Knowles and his counterpart Edgar Sosa are a bit undersized for the two guard and will give up four inches to David Huertas.

Advantage – Ole Miss

Terrico White versus Terrence Williams

OM – Terrico White seems to be slowly adapting after a rocky start to his college career. He has posted 6, 8 and 11 in his last three games and is averaging 7 points per game on the season. White has been inconsistent from the free throw line, but has been respectable from beyond the arc shooting near 40%. The Rebels will need him, or Graham, to step up on both ends to shut down Terrence Williams and neutralize him with a strong offensive showing.

UL – Terrence Williams is a 6’6” senior who is averaging nearly 11 points and nine rebounds per game thus far. Williams has the ability to stretch the floor, but has struggled mightily with his jump shot and from the foul line this season. He is a player who plays bigger than his listed height and could cause some problems for the Rebels with his strong defensive presence. Ole Miss need to contain Williams’s production offensively and cannot let him get lost while they focus on shutting down the Cardinal big men.

Advantage – UL

Murphy Holloway versus Earl Clark

OM – Holloway has been playing very well lately for the Rebels and will probably get the starting nod Thursday, whether it is at the four or the three in place of Terrico/Graham. Holloway scored 15 against Alabama State and collected 6 rebounds by doing a little bit of everything for the Rebels. The freshman from Irmo, SC is third on the team in points per game and could use his athleticism to create mismatches offensively if he plays at the four.

UL – Earl Clark is as solid as they come. Clark is a 6’9” tweener who is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per contest. He is second on the team in blocked shots and will be handful for whomever the Rebels throw at him.

Advantage – UL

Malcolm White versus Samardo Samuels

OM – The good news is that White had his best game as a Rebel against Alabama State. The bad news is that it was against Alabama State and it was nothing too eye popping. White has to grow up quickly before Thursday. Samuels is one of the best centers in the NCAA and is showing that on the stat sheet, albeit against not so great competition. White has to stay out of foul trouble and find a way to keep Samuels out of the paint, I know that sounds obvious but it is just what has to be done. I expect White to be in foul trouble early and often trying to handle Samuels and you will see Cranston, Henry, Cantinol (unfortunately) get a shot at limiting UL’s freshman phenom.

UL – Samuels has been exactly what Cardinal fans expected when they inked the 6’8” freshman from St. Benedict Prep (who has produced players like J.R. Smith, Corey Stokes and Lance Thomas). Samuels is putting up 17 ppg while shooting a ridiculous 63% from the field. Samuels should have a field day with our post defense and should be the reason the Cardinals beat us. That and our inability to defend/rebound.

Advantage – UL

Interesting note:

A player that Ole Miss fans are familiar with, Reginald Delk, is seeing playing time for the Cardinals. Delk is one of the Delk brothers from Rick Stansbury’s squad that transferred a year or so ago.

*indicates sarcasm

Add a Different Two More

Michael Oher and Peria Jerry were named AP All Americans today.

First team, lawya!

No word yet on whether Millsaps quarterback Juan Joseph was honored as an All American.

Snubs are in the past, though, and Oher and Jerry are phenomenal football players. Oher, a likely first-round draft pick last year, showed his true Rebel spirit by returning for his senior season. And Peria? Just look at that beautiful man.

Both of these guys are going to play for a long time and make a great deal of money in the National Football League. Also, Graham Harrell, who clearly is reading the Cup in preparation for the Cotton Bowl, I am legally obligated to warn you that Mr. Jerry may appear differently than the afore-linked photograph in real life.

Congratulations to the pair of Rebels who are the first duo from fair Oxford to make the AP First Team in the same year. Teams with multiple first-team selections were Alabama (with three - Antoine Caldwell, Andre Smith, and Terrence Cody), USC, Missouri, and Ole Miss (all with two selections).

Add Two More

Since JUCO posted about Raymond Cotton and Rodney Scott there have been a few more developments on the recruiting front.  According to an article on Rivals, we are now leading for Raymond Cotton, which is huge news for the Rebels.  Nutt also added two more commits in Charles Sawyer, a highly sought after corner, and Dexter McCluster clone Korvic Neat.  

Both players were coveted by the staff, especially Neat, and are great additions for the class.  We are running low on spots now and it will be interesting to see how everything shakes out for the Rebels.  I would like to see us drop Artice Kellam and replace him with David Conner, there really is no difference between the two and it is more important to build the in-state relationships than focusing on the out of state ties.  

Cameron Whigham should probably be cut lose too, I would much rather make room for Victor Gray and Kitchens.  I'm also very skeptical on Stephen Houston.  I am pretty sure he is not really committed, but it would be nice to get him off the list anyways.  His highlight video is not impressive at all and he is a grade issue.

Right now the Rebels need to put the full court press on Patterson, Norwood, Massie, Hardy and Cotton.  Closing out the class with at least two of the above would be great, but I can see the Rebels snagging three of the five.

I Guess I'll Take It

Well, it was not pretty, but the Rebels and Andy Kennedy are definitely going to take tonight’s win over Alabama State as they prepare for its biggest contest of the season Thursday night against Louisville in the SEC/Big East Challenge in Cincinnati. 

Alabama State jumped out early and blistered the net in the first half shooting 58.6% from the field, while the Rebels posted 42% first half performance from the floor, which put them down five going into half time.

Down five points going into half time is never a desirable position to be in when your coach is Andy Kennedy and the team is already fragile physically and mentally.  However, the Rebels came out shooting lights out in the second half, unfortunately Alabama State did not simmer down too much either.

Ole Miss was able to close the Hornet lead thanks to some clutch shots from Chris Warren and David Huertas.  They took the lead  with just under ten minutes to play and didn’t look back as they preserved an 85-81 victory over the Alabama State Hornets. 

Per usual, Chris Warren and David Huertas led the way offensively combining for 41 points (16 and 25 respectively).  Huertas continued his lights out shooting going 8-13 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc.

The output from Warren and Huertas is not that shocking, but the performances of the Rebels post players, at least on offense, should be cause for optimism for the fans and Kennedy. 

Malcolm White may have finally broken out and overcame whatever mental hindrance was causing him to play like John Engstrom and make the decisions comparable to the Auburn Athletic Department.  White had 12 points on the night and was one rebound away from a double double.  The numbers are nice, but it was his key and one play towards the end of the game that really stood out for White.  Kennedy and the Rebels have to be hoping that White is able to use this game to his advantage and help the Rebels, because God knows they will need it, against Louisville on Thursday.

White was not the only post player who showed some things tonight.  Murphy Holloway poured in fifteen points on the night and finished the game with 6 rebounds.  The Rebels will take what they can get at this point.  The overall ball movement looked much better tonight than it has in games past.  We had more open looks under the basket and saw more players get an opportunity to do something with the rock.  The Rebels need to continue to work on their ball movement and look for easy opportunities with that extra pass.  That or just let Huertas shoot every possession.  

Reality check though.  Alabama State is much better than their record (1-6) and has played decent talent throughout the season.  Still, this victory is nothing to get too excited over.  Ole Miss only out rebounded the Hornets by one and never really put the game away at any point. 

The defense has to show up at some point.  I saw flashes of effort from players like Terrance Henry last night with his hustle on the press and even in the post, but it’s just not there on a consistent basis.  The post players must continue to develop and keep trying, they cannot continue to rely on Warren and Huertas to shoot them back into games because of their porous defense. 

So, do not get too excited over tonight’s victory, I hope you are sane enough to realize that without me having to tell you to.  We won, that is good.  We won by four against Alabama State, that is kind of bad.  This team still has the potential to do well, it is just a matter of time and whether or not the coaches can find a way to make them gel.