The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss
1-0
Memphis
0-1
Ole Miss Edges Memphis In Defensive Struggle
9/4/1999 | Football
Sept. 4, 1999
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A 40-yard field goal by Les Binkley midway through the fourth quarter gave Mississippi a 3-0 victory over Memphis Saturday night in a season opener.
Binkley's kick with 7:47 remaining in the game rescued the Rebels from a mistake-marred performance. Ole Miss turned the ball over five times, including four fumbles.
The winning kick capped a 14-play, 39-yard drive that opened the fourth quarter. Memphis got no closer than its 47 the rest of the way.
Ole Miss held Memphis to minus-8 yards rushing in the game, and only 115 yards of offense. The Tigers could manage only eight first downs.
The Rebels self-destructed with turnovers throughout the night. Running back Deuce McAllister, who was held to 43 yards rushing, dropped two, including one at the Memphis 10 on the play after the Tigers misplayed a punt.
Running back Joe Gunn rushed for 114 yards to lead the Rebels. Quarterback Romaro Miller was 11-of-24 for 87 yards.
The Rebels lost the ball three times in the first half, twice inside the Memphis 25. The first fumble, by Gunn after a 22-yard run on the Rebels' second series, gave Memphis the ball at the Mississippi 45.
The Tigers moved to the Rebels 21, but kicker Ryan White, who hit 16-of-16 field goals last year and hadn't missed a kick inside 40 yards since high school, pulled the 38-yard kick to the right, ending the Tigers' only scoring opportunity of the night.
McAllister fumbled at the Tigers 18 in the second quarter, and second-string quarterback David Morris had the ball pop loose at the Memphis 24 midway through the period.
The Rebels' other second-half threats were stopped by turnovers, McAllister's fumble at the Tigers 10 and an interception of Miller's pass at the Tigers 14 by Reginald Howard.
Team Stats
UM 3, MEM 0
UM - Les Binkley 40 yd field goal 14 plays, 39 yards, TOP 7:13