Published September 7, 2010 - 12:27pm
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1. Ole Miss has to run the football with Brandon Bolden and Enrique Davis. If Ole Miss’ defense is going to let teams move up and down the field in the second half, both Bolden and Davis have be the workhorses to help the Rebels eat clock. They combined for 165 rushing yards and three touchdowns last weekend. Tulane gave up 64 yards rushing last week to Southeastern Louisiana.
2. Kentrell Lockett should be back this week. The defensive end and team captain experienced heart rhythm issues last weekend in a team scrimmage and missed the opener against Jacksonville State. Team doctors thought it was necessary for Lockett to travel to Cleveland, Ohio, to visit Cleveland Clinic Heart Center to see cardiac specialists. He underwent several tests, but they did not reveal any signs of anatomical abnormalities. Atrial fibrillation was deemed the cause of his heart rhythm issues. He should be able to go this week.
3. Tulane’s quarterback is not a true freshman. Last week, Coty Blanchard – a true freshman from Leesburg, Alabama – had the game of his life throwing the touchdown pass in the second overtime to come within one point, and executed the 2-point conversion that won the game as well. This week, Ryan Griffin, a red shirt sophomore, will get his chance at the Ole Miss defense. Last week Griffin was 17-26 for 129 yards and one interception against Southeastern Louisiana, where his team won 27-21.
4. Ole Miss needs to play one quarterback. Either Jeremiah Masoli or Nathan Stanley needs start at quarterback for the Rebels and play the entire game, and either is not a bad choice. A two-quarterback system rarely ever works for the better, but ironically, it seemed to work for Jacksonville State. Stanley started last weekend, but was taken out in the second half for Masoli. Stanley was 6-10 for 133 yards and had three touchdowns passing, while Masoli lead the two scoring drives in overtime.
5. Ole Miss’ defense needs to batten down the hatches. The Rebels’ defense returned six starters from a year ago. Jacksonville State scored on their final six possessions, including five touchdowns in the second half. Houston Nutt has to find a way to close a ball game certainly before they get into SEC play.
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