Passing Game Highlights Saturday's Scrimmage

Aug. 18, 2001

OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss Head Coach David Cutcliffe had been saying throughout preseason drills that his offense has several young weapons to work with, and it showed in the Rebels' first full scrimmage Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field. The passing game took the spotlight with Ole Miss compiling 268 yards through the air, including several spectacular receptions by the young receiving corps.

But, while the passing game took most of the headlines, Cutcliffe saw good things in all areas during the two-hour scrimmage.

"I feel good about what we've done so far," said Cutcliffe. "I feel good about the summer work this team did, and I feel good about the work they've done in preseason camp. Their focus has been good, and their attitude has been positive.

"We'll evaluate this tape, and I believe we'll see a big improvement from the first to second scrimmage. We needed to get out here, and we were fortunate to get a break from the rain. We needed to operate in game-type conditions, where we were signaling from the sidelines on both sides of the ball and working with a full officiating crew from the Southeastern Conference. We did a good job of signaling plays, and that is a good start. I thought the game operation by the coaches on both sides of the ball went well. This is all about getting used to the speed of the game."

The Rebel receivers showed their speed during the scrimmage, including junior college transfer Jason Armstead. The Moss Point, Miss., native hauled in two receptions for a team-best 72 yards. Cutcliffe was pleased with Armstead's performance Saturday.

"Jason Armstead is quick, even on a slippery field," Cutcliffe said. "He has a burst of speed I had not seen until today. He has a lot of talent, and we're looking forward to see what he can do once he learns our system."

Redshirt freshman Trey Fryfogle had a team-high four catches for 34 yards, while Bo Hartsfield (27 yards) and Chris Collins (18 yards) each had three receptions. True freshman Taye Biddle had two catches for 39 yards.

While Cutcliffe liked what he saw from the young players, he noted the Rebels' need for their injured players to return, including senior wide receiver Omar Rayford, who was out of Saturday's scrimmage with a bruised shoulder.

"We got to get some of our players back on the field and learn to execute a little better," said Cutcliffe. "We have several players with nagging injuries, and I'm anxious to get them out here as soon as possible.

"We need to execute better on offense and continue to grow. We did better as far as assignments go, and that's a plus. Defensively, we also need to get some players back and execute better. Our tackling was crisp today, and it has been in our practices. We just need to keep building on that as the season opener draws near."

Justin Wade and Josh Cooper led the Rebel defense with five tackles apiece. Senior linebacker Kevin Thomas, who will wear Chucky Mullins' No. 38 this season, had four stops and a fumble return 79 yards for a touchdown.

Following the morning scrimmage, the players and coaches went to The Grove for "Meet The Rebels Day," presented by Cellular One. Rebel fans got the opportunity to greet the players and coaches and get autographs.

The Rebels continue practice on Monday. Ole Miss opens its 2001 season Sept. 1 versus Murray State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field. Game time for the season opener is 6:00 p.m.

Aug. 18 Ole Miss Football Scrimmage
Statistical Leaders

Rushing - Brandon Jacobs 13-48, Robert Williams 8-41 (TD), Vashon Pearson 10-37, Joe Gunn 4-20, Charles Stackhouse 2-6

Passing - Eli Manning 19-11-0-81, David Morris 11-5-0-99, Seth Smith 3-3-0-43, Michael Spurlock 1-1-0-45

Receiving - Trey Fryfogle 4-34, Bo Hartsfield 3-27, Chris Collins 3-18, Jason Armstead 2-72, Taye Biddle 2-39, Mike Espy 1-45

Punting - Shae Orrell 6-225-37.5, Cody Ridgeway 2-64-32.0

Tackles - Justin Wade 4-1-5, Josh Cooper 1-4-5

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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