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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Hold Second Full Scrimmage Of Preseason
8/21/2001 | Football
Aug. 21, 2001
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss held its second full scrimmage of the preseason Tuesday afternoon at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field, and head coach David Cutcliffe was pleased with the team's improvement.
"We got better as a team today," Cutcliffe said. "This was a good reminder for the players on how it will be in the game, when they have to come out and then turn around and go back in right away. We needed this type of scrimmage. It was a good growing experience."
Eli Manning completed 7-of-13 passes for 47 yards. Jamie Armstrong led all receivers with three catches for 36 yards, while Omar Rayford caught two passes for 19 yards including a 13-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback David Morris.
A pair of freshmen highlighted the Rebels' running game. Brandon Jacobs, a Long Beach, Miss., native, rushed for 38 yards on 10 carries, while Ripley, Miss., native Vashon Pearson carried the ball eight times for 28 yards.
The Rebels were limited on what they could do offensively because of injuries, especially to the offensive line. Even with the limited personnel on the offensive side of the ball, Cutcliffe was pleased with the overall play of the defense in the second full scrimmage. Linebacker Eddie Strong tallied four tackles and recovered a fumble for the defense.
"I thought we were much better defensively," Cutcliffe said. "We were flying all over the ball more, and I saw some people who I expect to make plays, make them."
In reference to the injuries, junior offensive lineman German Bello had surgery Tuesday to repair the lateral meniscus in his right knee. According to head football trainer Tim Mullins, the surgery was a success and his status remains to be seen.
The Rebels continue practice on Wednesday in preparation for the season-opener. Ole Miss begins its 2001 season Sept. 1 versus Murray State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field. Game time is 6 p.m.
Aug. 21 Ole Miss Football Scrimmage
Statistical Leaders
Rushing - Brandon Jacobs 10-38, Vashon Pearson 8-28, Toward Sanford 3-26.
Passing - Eli Manning 13-7-1-47, David Morris 11-5-0-57, Seth Smith 2-1-0-13.
Receiving - Jamie Armstrong 3-36, Ross Barkley 2-22, Omar Rayford 2-19 (TD).
Punting - Shae Orrell 2-96-48.0, Cody Ridgeway 2-90-45.0.
Tackles - Jesse Mitchell 3-1-4, Eddie Strong 3-1-4 (FR).
