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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Preseason Report 09.01: Game Week
9/2/2009 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. - The No. 8 nationally-ranked Ole Miss Rebels practiced in full pads for the final time this week on Tuesday as the team gears up for the season opener against the Memphis Tigers on Sunday.
"The guys really had a good bounce in their step today," Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt said. "They realize it's game week and the really came to practice with a good attitude. They know practices are getting shorter as we get closer to game time and they're excited."
The Rebels had to replace All-American left tackle Michael Oher this season and Nutt believes sophomore Bradley Sowell is up to the challenge.
"It's a very critical position. I'm really proud of Bradley and how far he has come since last spring. Now, he just has to do it when the lights come on and it's game time. The good thing is he has been going against some really good players. There have been a few times they have gotten them, but for the most part he has hung in there."
Finally healthy after off-season foot surgery and an auto accident, Nutt said he is also excited to see senior defensive end Greg Hardy back on the field.
"His attitude has been completely changed since January. He has been very committed and I'm really proud of how he has come back from surgery. I'm looking forward to seeing him play this year."
The Rebels will be starting at least one freshman against the Tigers as true freshman kicker Andrew Ritter will handle kickoffs for Ole Miss.
"I wouldn't be afraid to put David Hankins or Justin Sparks in there, but Ritter consistently put the ball in the end zone and that's what you want," Nutt said.
The Rebels will go in helmets and shoulder pads tomorrow as they continue game preparations before heading to Memphis on Saturday. Ole Miss will face off against the Tigers at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Liberty Bowl. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN.
