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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Extra Motivation
11/30/2004 | Football
Nov. 30, 2004
By Matt Segal
Athletics Media Relations Intern
Junior running back Brandon Jacobs says the 2004 Ole Miss football season will hit him like a ton of bricks in about a month. That's when the Rebels will be sitting at home, watching 58 of the nation's top football teams who will be playing in postseason bowl games.
"That'll be some extra motivation," says Jacobs, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 235 pounds. "I think this season will hit me hard when I'm with my family in December, watching all of the bowl games. I don't want my senior season to end like this and I know the 2005 team will do everything in its power to make sure we are playing during the holidays next year."
Jacobs and junior defensive tackle McKinley Boykin will be part of the 2005 senior class, which will be called upon to lead the Rebels after today's season finale.
"It's been a disappointing season, but we can only worry about the opportunities that are in front of us," says Boykin, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs in at 285 pounds. "We really need to win today's game for some confidence heading into the offseason. To be honest, the 2005 season begins this weekend. We are starting to build for the future. A win in the season finale would help really give us some much-needed momentum heading into our upcoming spring practices."
Jacobs, a native of Long Beach, Miss., leads the Rebels with five rushing touchdowns on the season. He has also collected 119 yards on 47 carries this fall.
"I think I've played pretty well when my name has been called," Jacobs says. "The coaches have put me in the line-up at some crucial times and I think I've held my own. The game of football is all about making plays and you have to take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you."
Boykin is second on the Rebel defense with 9.5 tackles-for-loss and ties for second with 2.5 quarterback sacks. The native of Bessemer, Ala., has also recorded 36 tackles (28 solo) on the campaign.
"I experienced a lot of problems with my knee last year and didn't have a chance to play up to my potential," Boykin says. "I came into the season feeling like I had a lot to prove. I've been much healthier this year and I think that has shown. I improved quite a bit this past spring when the coaches really helped me with my stance and technique."
Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe, who led the Rebels to a 10-3 mark and Cotton Bowl victory just a season ago, recognizes how much Jacobs and Boykin have already brought to the table.
"Brandon (Jacobs) is our short-yardage back in the 'I' formation," Cutcliffe says. "He's big and runs with good body length. He has the knack for finding that crease and a 'no-nonsense' attitude in short-yardage situations.
"McKinley (Boykin) always plays hard. He is a fierce competitor who takes a lot of pride in playing well. He's going to give you everything he has on Saturdays."
So, when the Rebels hit the field today against Mississippi State, look for that sense of urgency out of the Ole Miss junior class. They know what's at stake. They know that the 2005 campaign begins after today's in-state showdown with the Bulldogs.
"The Mississippi State game is huge," Cutcliffe adds. "They are our biggest rival and we must come ready to play. People remember what you do in the month of November more so than what you do early in the season. A win today won't make us bowl eligible, but I've still challenged this group to come out with a lot of energy and emotion. Today is all about playing for pride."
Jacobs and Boykin feel the same way. Both will be working as hard as pos-sible to ensure a victory in the final contest of 2004.
"The guys on this team are not quitters," Jacobs points out. "We work hard every day in practice so we can get better. We know how important that positive attitude and strong work ethic can be, regardless of whether we are 10-3 or 3-10.
"I am the type of guy who tries to leave everything on the field. When I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, I want to be able to say that I gave it everything I had. When everyone on this team adopts that attitude, we will begin to feel good about who we are and what we are doing."
So, while Jacobs and Boykin are sitting on their couches during this year's bowl season, they'll be figuring out a way to make sure they're one of those teams next season.
