.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels' Defense Secures Win Over Memphis
9/5/2005 | Football
Sept. 5, 2005
Final Stats | Complete Game Book (PDF)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Linebacker Garry Pack intercepted Will Hudgens' pass at the goal line with about 20 seconds left to help Mississippi hold off Memphis 10-6 on Monday for the Rebels' first victory under new coach Ed Orgeron.
Orgeron, the former Southern California defensive line coach, took over the Rebels after David Cutcliffe was let go following a 4-7 season.
Michael Spurlock was 14-of-27 for 184 yards and had a 12-yard, fourth-down touchdown run in the third quarter for Mississippi in the opener for both teams.
Memphis reached the Ole Miss 37 on its second-to-last drive, but Rebels safety Charles Clark recovered receiver Maurice Avery's fumble with 2:37 to play.
The Rebels limited Tigers star DeAngelo Williams to 85 yards on 24 carries and allowed only 119 yards rushing overall.
Memphis led 6-3 at the half.
Hudgens took over the Memphis offense after starting quarterback Patrick Byrne broke his right leg on the Tigers' third play from scrimmage
On Hudgens' first drive, he set up Stephen Gostkowski's 34-yard field goal that tied it at 3-3. Gostkowski added a 47-yarder in the second quarter.
Spurlock completed nine of his 13 first-half passes and kept the Rebels moving. Most of those connections in the first half were to Mario Hill, who caught six passes for 102 yards before the break. Hill finished with eight catches for 132 yards.
But Ole Miss couldn't capitalize in the first half, managing only Matt Hinkle's 35-yard field goal on its opening series.
