.png&width=48&height=48&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Continue SBC Cotton Bowl Work With Physical Practice
12/28/2003 | Football
Dec. 28, 2003
- Oklahoma State Practice Report
- Ole Miss Offense News Conference
- Oklahoma State Defense News Conference
DALLAS - The No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels continued its preparations for the 68th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic with a physical, two-hour practice in full pads under cloudy, brisk conditions at Ford Stadium on Sunday. The Rebels face No. 21 Oklahoma State in the Classic on Friday, Jan. 2. Kickoff is slated for 1:10 p.m. and will be televised nationally by FOX Sports.
Head coach David Cutcliffe was pleased with how his squad practiced today.
"Today we had enthusiastic, physical work," Cutcliffe said. "I think we got out of it what we wanted to. We practiced a lot of run situations on both sides of the ball and I thought they handled it well."
The practice featured quite a bit of hitting as the Rebels prepared to face a physical Cowboy team.
"This is as physical as we will be this week." Cutcliffe said about the hitting at practice today. "We will hit some tomorrow, but it won't be as physical."
Ole Miss last played on Nov. 27 when the Rebels blanked arch-rival Mississippi State 31-0 in the Egg Bowl. It is always difficult to keep a team sharp during the month-long layoff between the end of the regular season and the bowl game, but Cutcliffe said his team is ready to play.
"You hate to say this, but we look ready," Cutcliffe said. "We had good work in Oxford, and I thought yesterday was a good start (in Dallas). We knew what to do yesterday (at practice) and we threw and caught the ball real well. I was worried about our timing, and it was good again today. We'll just have to wait and see, but I think hopefully we'll be ready to play."
Sophomore wide receiver Mario Hill and senior running back Tremaine Turner both missed practice with a fever. Senior offensive lineman Stacy Andrews arrived late yesterday due to travel difficulties and practiced today.
"I hope it stops there," Cutcliffe said about the illnesses. "I've told their roommates to stay away from them."
Tonight Ole Miss will attend a barbecue at the West End Marketplace in Dallas. Tomorrow following practice the Rebels will bring some joy to sick children with a visit at the Children's Medical Center from 4 until 5 p.m. Media is invited to attend.
