Published November 8, 2011 - 6:34am
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The news of Houston Nutt stepping down after the season was not a shock to anyone, quite frankly. Nutt will coach the remainder of the season in 2011, and he will then give the reigns up to another coach who will try to turn this program around and get it going in the right direction.
However, knowing he will step down after this season, his current players will likely step up their game to play the remainder of the season very hard…for him.
Ole Miss still has Louisiana Tech, LSU and Mississippi State left on the schedule.
And there’s only one thing left do – focus on the Egg Bowl, right now.
Dan Mullen has owned Ole Miss ever since he took over the reigns at State in Starkville. Mullen is 2-0 over the Bulldogs in the last two seasons, and State has outscored Ole Miss 72-50 in those two games.
Mullen even vowed to never to lose to Ole Miss again.
If I were Houston Nutt and the players, I would certainly want to go out a winner against your arch-enemy in State. I would focus all my attention toward that game right now, even though Louisiana Tech is on the schedule…all attention focused on the Bulldogs, right now.
How Can They Win The Egg Bowl?
First, they’re going to have to score a lot of points, because Mississippi State will run early and often. State will have success just because of how bad the Rebels’ defense is.
However, the good news is that Randall Mackey is serviceable at quarterback, and he can provide a spark in the passing and running game. However, he will definitely have to pick up his game.
Second, Ole Miss’ defense will have to make Tyler Russell and Chris Relf beat them through the air. I think you sell out and play the run-option and make Dan Mullen throw the football. I know State has the ability to throw the football, but you have to pick your poison if you’re Ole Miss. Do you try to stop the run, or do you play a normal defensive scheme? I’m playing to stop the run and make Russell and Relf beat me through the air.
The Rebels are going to have to use Nick Brassell more on offense and get him more touches because he’s a playmaker, and he’s going to be very good as he gets stronger and older. He can help this team win right now.
Also, wide receiver Donte Moncrief has been very good this year as another true freshman, and some deep throws to Moncrief will have to be in the game plan:
A steady dose of Jeff Scott and Brandon Bolden will be a plus as well. Scott will have to have a big day in the punt return game and make some plays on special teams as well.
Ole Miss needs to run the football right at State and mix in misdirection plays as well. The Rebels have to keep the clock moving to keep State’s offense off the field.
The Rebels’ back will be against the wall with it being Nutt’s last game and being on the road in a hostile environment, but somehow, someway this team could pull it together for the last three games and get better just in time for Mississippi State to come calling, right?
Is there any fight left in this team?
Mullen is 2-0 over the Bulldogs in the last two seasons
Shouldn’t that be, “over the Rebels?