Credentials? I was asked this question by one of our readers recently. It went something along the lines of this: “Why are you so opinionated? What credentials do have that make you worthy of writing a sports column anyway?”
I felt obligated to respond before I get into breaking down this year’s football squad. The short version, of course, goes something like this.
First of all, it’s called an “Opinion Column”. I was asked by the publisher of The Local Voice to voice my opinion. I feel like I am talking to a two year old.
Credentials? Mmmmm. Well, I have covered a game at every SEC venue and most of the Big XII. I have been to every spring game in SEC Western Division. I have interviewed Archie, Eli, Cooper & Peyton, as well as George Rogers, Johnny Majors and John Vaught. I have attended The Manning Passing Academy in Hammond, Lousiana. I have been to The Tour de France. I have seen Real Madrid play. I also ran with Bulls but that is just an experience, not a credential.
I have worked with the Ole Miss Spirit where Jeff Roberson taught more about sports coverage than anyone so far in my short but eventful life. I went on to be the Editor of both Southeastern Football Saturdays magazine, as well as Rebel Yell magazine.
I know that George Smith coached at Arkansas State. I love Billy Brewer. Rowdy Rebel was not money well spent. Cory Peterson was the best “white guy” to ever play receiver at Ole Miss.
I hope this shortened version of my “credentials” will be sufficient enough for me to continue my critical, but fair, coverage of Ole Miss Athletics. Peace be with you.
The Ole Miss Offense
Now, How ‘bout them Rebels? Breaking down the 2007 version of the Ole Miss Rebels is a task I feel pretty comfortable tackling. The following is my view on where we stand going into the season opener September 1st against Memphis State.
There is so much room for improvement here that Ole Miss should be able to create a different look from that which we witnessed last year. By a different look, I mean score more points and win more games.
The Rebels return 1,000 yard rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis which gives us a solid running back that can make holes when there are none along the line of scrimmage. Cordera Eason made a statement in the spring game and should receive plenty of chances to show case his talent as well. Bruce Hall made a name for himself last year and will give the Rebels even more strength at the running back position.
A one-two-three punch similar to the one mentioned above needs an offensive line in order to be successful in the SEC. Ole Miss returns all but one starter on the offensive front and the line should be much improved from last season.
Will these two strengths be enough to carry the offense in 2007? Probably not. But, it sure helps when you can run the ball consistently.
The quarterback situation is one that seems to be the norm at Ole Miss in the post Eli era. A.E., as I like to call it, has been nothing but a headache for Ole Miss fans. This year is no different. Brent Schaeffer, Seth Adams and Michael Herrick are all competing for the job and Coach Ed Orgeron has let the media know that the position is up for grabs.
All Ole Miss is looking for is consistency at the signal caller position. A player that can make the right throws and run the offense. Seems simple enough. Wait and see.
Recent reports from Rebel practices have Schaeffer lining up as a wide reciever. It now appears that the quarterback race is between Herrick and Adams.
The receivers return. Just about all of them. The returning ball catchers caught 130 of 134 receptions in 2006. The problem was that the offense only produced nine touchdowns through the air. Dexter McCluster, Mike Wallace, and Marshay Green highlight the list of returnees.
Robert Lane returns at tight end and is sure to make some noise if the Rebels can figure out a way to get him the ball more often. Honestly, Lane just wants to play. Put him anywhere. He is that type of player.
Overall, the offense should be better than it was last year. I’ll pause for laughter.
We have no where to go but up. In 2006 Ole Miss ranked dead last in the SEC in scoring offense, passing offense and total offense. Sorry Charlie, but 15.7 points per game isn’t going to win you many games. I guess that’s why we went
4-8.
Screw the Sugar Bowl, I just want to make it back to Shreveport. I love that town.
Next Issue: Defense and Special Teams Plus Incoming Freshman.
