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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Manning, Rebels Try to Stay Perfect In SEC
10/17/2002 | Football
Oct. 17, 2002
OXFORD, Miss. - The 21st-ranked Rebels (5-1, 2-0 SEC) need a win over the Crimson Tide (4-2, 1-1) to give them their first 3-0 start in the conference since Archie Manning's senior season in 1970.
The Rebels climbed into the Top 25 after knocking off Vanderbilt and Florida in their first two conference games.
Ole Miss got a break from its conference schedule last week as it routed Arkansas State 52-17 behind Manning's 290 yards passing and three touchdowns. The Rebels didn't punt and outgained the Indians 508-264.
"You can't pretend this game is as big as Florida and Alabama, but it was important we got better - and we did," Ole Miss wide receiver Bill Flowers said.
Things get a lot tougher from here for the Rebels as they open a six-game stretch against SEC opponents - including four games on the road - with a combined record of 24-11.
"We are going to have to play outstanding down the stretch," Ole Miss coach David Cutcliffe said.
Manning, a junior, went 14-of-19 with an interception and tied the school record for career touchdown passes with 43, sharing the mark with Romaro Miller. Manning's father, Archie, threw 31 touchdowns during a standout career at Ole Miss.
After six games Manning has 1,570 yards passing, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. The Rebels offensive line has played well in front of Manning, allowing just four sacks.
Now they'll look to hand the Crimson Tide their second straight loss.
Alabama had a week off to recover from a 27-25 loss to Georgia on Oct. 5. The Crimson Tide rallied from 12 points down in the second half only to lose on a field goal in the game's final minute.
Freshman quarterback Brodie Croyle was 16-of-29 for 197 yards with a touchdown and an interception in his second start for the injured Tyler Watts. Croyle has thrown three touchdowns and four interceptions for the year.
Alabama hopes to get its running game back on track this week. Tailbacks Shaud Williams and Santonio Beard ran for just 44 and 30 yards, respectively, against Georgia. The tailback tandem has a combined 695 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
Alabama and Ole Miss will be meeting for the 50th time in a series that dates back to 1894, with The Tide holding a 39-8-2 edge.
