Back In Rhythm

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Nov. 2, 2002

By Chris Purser
Sports Information Student Assistant

OXFORD, Miss. - Practice makes perfect. Chemistry builds confidence. Dependability raises comfort levels. In Saturday's game with Auburn, a chemistry that began last season was renewed as Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning found wide receiver Chris Collins eight times for 104 yards and three touchdowns. In the process, the two renewed a bond that started with the 2001 season opener.

Last season, Collins and Manning were on the same wavelength for all of the dynamic duo's 11 games. Collins led all Rebel receivers with 54 catches last season, and spent most of the year as the "go-to" guy when the situation demanded a big play. But this season, Collins suffered injuries that limited him during preseason practice drills in August. With limited practice time, Bill Flowers stepped up and became a leader in the receiving corps. But today, the magic between Collins and Manning came alive again. Against Arkansas, Flowers was injured, allowing Collins to step back into the spotlight. With an opportunity to shine once again, Collins did not disappoint.

"Bill got hurt against Arkansas," said Collins. "My number got called and I just stepped up and made plays."

So far this season, Collins has been in the middle of a group of several wide receivers that has become one of the focal points of the Rebel offense. Leading all Ole Miss receivers with eight touchdowns this season, Collins has regained not only his stature as a serious offensive threat, but also a rhythm he and Manning develop last year. Manning says that just comes with experience.

"We have been playing here together for a long time," said Manning. "I have a lot of trust in him to get open and make plays. He has been around. I try to go to him sometimes because he has more experience than some of the other guys on the team."

Collins' physical ability to make plays allows him to do things that others receivers can't. With great size and speed, he is counted on to make the big grab when the situation presents itself.

"I just go out there and try to make plays," Collins said. "That what you have to do help the team."

Both Manning and head coach David Cutcliffe say that Collins' performance can also be attributed to his attitude as well as his physical ability.

"Chris is a very good football player," said Cutcliffe. "Coming into the game, we needed him to step up for us. He did just that."

Despite the lack of playing time early in the season due to injury, Collins never let that bother him, Manning said. Instead, Collins picked up his performance in practice so he would be ready when the opportunity presented itself come gametime.

"He never cried about the fact that he wasn't getting the ball enough (in the early games)," Manning said. "He just used the time in practice to get as many reps as he could."

Some would say that the extra work has paid off. But according to Collins, there is something a little responsible for their chemistry as well.

"Eli and I are on the same page," said Collins. "I know what I have to do when I step on the field. I know what to do when he does certain things."

Looks like ol' reliable is back in rhythm.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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