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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Defense Highlights Saturday's Scrimmage
8/17/2002 | Football
Aug. 17, 2002
OXFORD, Miss. - In Wednesday's scrimmage, the Ole Miss defense made a statement with four interceptions and eight passes defensed. Saturday's scrimmage, the second for the Rebels during the preseason, was more of the same as the defense continued its impressive play with four picks, including two returned for scores, and nine passes defensed. It was a performance that pleased head coach David Cutcliffe.
"Our defense really took advantage of today's scrimmage," Cutcliffe said. "They made some big plays time and time again. If a ball was tipped in the air, it seemed they were there coming up with it. That was good to see, and I'm excited about that. The offense didn't score with the exception of being put on a short field, and that's a tribute to our defense."
Junior linebacker L.P. Spence led the Rebels with seven hits, while Jamil Northcutt and Eric Oliver each had six tackles. Brian Lester, Ryan Hamilton, Bryan Brown and Jeremy Ruffin each recorded one interception. Hamilton returned his pick 26 yards for a score, and Brown scored the defense's other TD with a 72-yard interception return. The Ole Miss defense also racked up 15 tackles for loss for minus 40 yards.
"Our defense had more confidence (than the offense) coming into today's scrimmage, and that started back in the spring," said Cutcliffe. "As I have stated in the past, our defense set the tempo in the spring for the first time since we've been here, and that has built confidence. They're doing some positive things."
Junior quarterback Eli Manning led the offensive charge, connecting on 12 of his 19 pass attempts for 98 yards and two scores. Senior David Morris was 10-of-17 passing for 70 yards. Mike Espy and Bill Flowers paced the Ole Miss receiving corps. Espy recorded 5 catches for 34 yards and two TDs, while Flowers had 4 receptions for 28 yards. Kerry Johnson added 3 receptions for 47 yards. Vashon Pearson led the Rebel ground attack with 52 yards on 11 carries.
"We worked a lot of people in today's practice," Cutcliffe said. "That's what this scrimmage was about, evaluating our personnel and seeing who we have to work with to get ready to play in the ball game. I'm anxious to get started on this tape and see where we are more as individuals than as a team."
In the scrimmage, senior linebacker Eddie Strong, redshirt freshman wide receiver Mario Hill and junior linebacker Ken Bournes suffered injuries and will be evaluated.
Saturday afternoon, "Meet The Rebels Day," presented by Belk Ford/Oxford Toyota and Unicell, was held in The Grove, where fans were able to get autographs from Rebel players and coaches.
Statistical Leaders
Rushing -- Pearson 11-52; Turner 10-11
Passing -- Manning 19-12-1, 98 yards, 2 TD; Morris 17-10-1, 70 yards
Receiving -- Espy 5-34, 2 TDs; Flowers 4-28; K. Johnson 3-47
Tackles -- Spence 7 (5-2); Northcutt 6 (3-3); Oliver 6 (2-4)
