Rebel Chuck
07-17-2007, 07:39 PM
Dave Childers
The last time the goal posts came down in Oxford, it was a big Ole Miss upset over then No. 8 ranked Florida in 2002.
File photo
Ole Miss won't face a Ron Zook coached team in 2007
The win didn't do much for the Rebels as they struggled the rest of the way through the season and finished 6-6, but did get a bowl win over Nebraska that year.
In 2003, the return game in Gainesville was to be a revenge match. Gator players talked all week of being embarrassed about losing to Ole Miss and the Rebels appeared ripe for the picking after losing in a shootout the week before at home to Texas Tech and giving up almost 700 yards on defense.
Defying all odds, the Rebels knocked off the Gators for the second year in a row and went on to win the SEC West Division and the Cotton Bowl that year.
One thing about this year's match up as the rotating series returns, it won't be Ron Zook's Gators that show up in Oxford.
Another thing about this year's match up is that it won't be the same Florida team that won the national championship a year ago either.
The Gator defense was a big part of the squad that led the team to a national championship. With just two starters returning, Florida will rely on a ton of inexperienced, but very talented players on defense. Another mainstay is gone from the offense - Chris Leak - and true sophomore Tim Tebow will get to make his first road start against the Rebels.
Despite the losses (five from the offense), Tebow has a very talented group of receivers - likely the best in the SEC. Andre Caldwell is among the best in the conference and sophomores Percy Harvin and Jarred Fayson are also major threats. Louis Murphy will be in the mix after a solid spring while tight end Cornelius Ingram returns after catching 30 passes last year.
The running game was not great last year and without DeShawn Wynn the Gators could struggle some on the ground. Mon Williams was expected to take over the starting job, but he tore an ACL and will miss the entire season. Kestahn Moore may be next in line after rushing for 282 yards and two touchdowns in 2006. With the return of four offensive lineman, most notably Drew Miller and Phil Trautwein, the running game could be all right despite the lack of a star back as Tebow will help out on the ground.
The two returning defensive players are defensive end Derrick Harvey and strong safety Tony Joiner. Harvey had 11 sacks last season and will have to anchor an inexperienced line. Senior tackle Clint McMillan earned one start last year, but the starting job could be taken over by any one of a group of talented young players.
Florida Vitals
2006 Record: (13-1, 7-1)
Coach: Urban Meyer (22-4 at Florida, 61-12 overall)
Starters Returning: 8 (6 offense, 2 defense, 0 specialists)
Offensive Starters Lost: QB Chris Leak, RB DeShawn Wynn, FB Billy Latsko, WR Dallas Baker, WR Jemalle Cornelius, OL Steve Rissler
Offensive Starters Returning: WR Andre Caldwell, TE Tate Casey, OL Carlton Medder, OL Drew Miller, OL Jim Tartt, OL Phil Trautwein
Defensive Starters Lost: DT Joe Cohen, DT Ray McDonald, DE Jarvis Moss, LB Brian Crum, LB Earl Everett, LB Brandon Siler, CB Reggie Lewis, CB Ryan Smith, S Reggie Nelson
Defensive Starters Returning: DE Derrick Harvey, S Tony Joiner
Starting Specialists Lost: K Chris Hetland, P Eric Wilbur
Starting Specialists Returning: none
The depth at linebacker is an issue. Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe will take over the starting positions, but there will be problems replacing the production of Brandon Siler. The safeties should be fine with the return of Joiner and senior Kyle Jackson, but the absence of Reggie Lewis and Ryan Smith on the corners leaves mostly inexperienced players.
Several near top rated recruiting class could impact immediately and solve some of the problem areas, but still, experience will be a big factor in Florida's season. Overall, the Gators appear primed to compete for another SEC championship, but need to develop some great talent before they compete again for a national title.
What's at stake: This is a game the Rebels are expected to lose and lose big. However, Ed Orgeron's bunch of Rebels could go into the game much like they did at LSU late last season - with nothing to lose. That could have the makings for a closer game than many anticipate and even a close loss year would be a big confidence builder for the Rebels.
Key offensive match up: The Rebels receivers on a Florida secondary that is lacking in experience. The Rebels should be able to run the ball, but to win, they'll have to pass. The opportunity should be there with a talented secondary, bit one that lacks experience.
Key defensive match up: John Thompson and his defense against Tim Tebow. But, before that happens, Thompson has to get some coverage on some outstanding Florida receivers. Thompson likely will be licking his chops over the prospects of confusing a talented quarterback, but one who is short on experience. If the Rebels can get to Tebow, they'll have a real chance.
Ole Miss will win the game if: It avoids giving up the big play. It takes experience to sustain drives for 15 plays - it only takes talent to bust off a run for 85 yards. The Rebels must avoid giving Florida points on easy plays.
Ole Miss will lose the game if: Read the press clippings and start believing how good Florida is. The Gators have recruited well and are clearly a talented team, but no where near the squad that won the national championship. If the Rebels realize that they're headed the same way as Florida when it comes to improving talent, a close game could happen.
The last time the goal posts came down in Oxford, it was a big Ole Miss upset over then No. 8 ranked Florida in 2002.
File photo
Ole Miss won't face a Ron Zook coached team in 2007
The win didn't do much for the Rebels as they struggled the rest of the way through the season and finished 6-6, but did get a bowl win over Nebraska that year.
In 2003, the return game in Gainesville was to be a revenge match. Gator players talked all week of being embarrassed about losing to Ole Miss and the Rebels appeared ripe for the picking after losing in a shootout the week before at home to Texas Tech and giving up almost 700 yards on defense.
Defying all odds, the Rebels knocked off the Gators for the second year in a row and went on to win the SEC West Division and the Cotton Bowl that year.
One thing about this year's match up as the rotating series returns, it won't be Ron Zook's Gators that show up in Oxford.
Another thing about this year's match up is that it won't be the same Florida team that won the national championship a year ago either.
The Gator defense was a big part of the squad that led the team to a national championship. With just two starters returning, Florida will rely on a ton of inexperienced, but very talented players on defense. Another mainstay is gone from the offense - Chris Leak - and true sophomore Tim Tebow will get to make his first road start against the Rebels.
Despite the losses (five from the offense), Tebow has a very talented group of receivers - likely the best in the SEC. Andre Caldwell is among the best in the conference and sophomores Percy Harvin and Jarred Fayson are also major threats. Louis Murphy will be in the mix after a solid spring while tight end Cornelius Ingram returns after catching 30 passes last year.
The running game was not great last year and without DeShawn Wynn the Gators could struggle some on the ground. Mon Williams was expected to take over the starting job, but he tore an ACL and will miss the entire season. Kestahn Moore may be next in line after rushing for 282 yards and two touchdowns in 2006. With the return of four offensive lineman, most notably Drew Miller and Phil Trautwein, the running game could be all right despite the lack of a star back as Tebow will help out on the ground.
The two returning defensive players are defensive end Derrick Harvey and strong safety Tony Joiner. Harvey had 11 sacks last season and will have to anchor an inexperienced line. Senior tackle Clint McMillan earned one start last year, but the starting job could be taken over by any one of a group of talented young players.
Florida Vitals
2006 Record: (13-1, 7-1)
Coach: Urban Meyer (22-4 at Florida, 61-12 overall)
Starters Returning: 8 (6 offense, 2 defense, 0 specialists)
Offensive Starters Lost: QB Chris Leak, RB DeShawn Wynn, FB Billy Latsko, WR Dallas Baker, WR Jemalle Cornelius, OL Steve Rissler
Offensive Starters Returning: WR Andre Caldwell, TE Tate Casey, OL Carlton Medder, OL Drew Miller, OL Jim Tartt, OL Phil Trautwein
Defensive Starters Lost: DT Joe Cohen, DT Ray McDonald, DE Jarvis Moss, LB Brian Crum, LB Earl Everett, LB Brandon Siler, CB Reggie Lewis, CB Ryan Smith, S Reggie Nelson
Defensive Starters Returning: DE Derrick Harvey, S Tony Joiner
Starting Specialists Lost: K Chris Hetland, P Eric Wilbur
Starting Specialists Returning: none
The depth at linebacker is an issue. Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe will take over the starting positions, but there will be problems replacing the production of Brandon Siler. The safeties should be fine with the return of Joiner and senior Kyle Jackson, but the absence of Reggie Lewis and Ryan Smith on the corners leaves mostly inexperienced players.
Several near top rated recruiting class could impact immediately and solve some of the problem areas, but still, experience will be a big factor in Florida's season. Overall, the Gators appear primed to compete for another SEC championship, but need to develop some great talent before they compete again for a national title.
What's at stake: This is a game the Rebels are expected to lose and lose big. However, Ed Orgeron's bunch of Rebels could go into the game much like they did at LSU late last season - with nothing to lose. That could have the makings for a closer game than many anticipate and even a close loss year would be a big confidence builder for the Rebels.
Key offensive match up: The Rebels receivers on a Florida secondary that is lacking in experience. The Rebels should be able to run the ball, but to win, they'll have to pass. The opportunity should be there with a talented secondary, bit one that lacks experience.
Key defensive match up: John Thompson and his defense against Tim Tebow. But, before that happens, Thompson has to get some coverage on some outstanding Florida receivers. Thompson likely will be licking his chops over the prospects of confusing a talented quarterback, but one who is short on experience. If the Rebels can get to Tebow, they'll have a real chance.
Ole Miss will win the game if: It avoids giving up the big play. It takes experience to sustain drives for 15 plays - it only takes talent to bust off a run for 85 yards. The Rebels must avoid giving Florida points on easy plays.
Ole Miss will lose the game if: Read the press clippings and start believing how good Florida is. The Gators have recruited well and are clearly a talented team, but no where near the squad that won the national championship. If the Rebels realize that they're headed the same way as Florida when it comes to improving talent, a close game could happen.