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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Prepare for Vanderbilt Game Plan
8/27/2003 | Football
Aug. 27, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - With the season-opener four days away, the Ole Miss football team rehearsed for this weekend's Vanderbilt game with a Wednesday workout without pads.
Despite looming storm clouds, the Rebels were able to get in the two-hour practice, focusing on the Commodores' game plan. Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe, who was relieved the rain held off, gave his troops a break from the physical pounding as the squad trained in helmets and shorts.
"We're fortunate to get the practice in," Cutcliffe said. "The weather held up, and we weren't sure if it was going to in the beginning.
"We made a decision to take the pads off, because we felt like we had hit enough. We're rehearsing plans and trying to get ready."
Ole Miss received some good news Wednesday, as junior receiver Bill Flowers returned to practice after missing time with an injured shoulder.
"It looks like he's going to go with us this weekend," Cutcliffe said. "It's been good to see. The doctor cleared him this morning. It's up to how he feels right now. He looks like he's feeling pretty good.
"Some of these guys (that are hurt) are getting better by the day. Lightening a little bit of the load in practice has helped."
Saturday's season-opener in Nashville is set for 11:30 a.m. CT, and will be televised by Jefferson Pilot Sports.
