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Early Ole Miss preview

Rebels welcome a new head coach and a QB battle

Updated: June 21, 2012, 4:31 PM ET
By Carter Strickland | HornsNation

[+] EnlargeBo Wallace
Stan Beal/EMCCJuco transfer Bo Wallace, who was briefly courted by Texas, could win the Rebels' QB job.
Editor's note: HornsNation will count down to the start of fall camp by taking an in-depth look at each team Texas will face in 2012.

The rundown

2011 record: 2-10

Last meeting against Texas: Lost 19-0 in 1966 Bluebonnet Bowl

All-time vs. Texas: 1-5.

Top returners: Charles Sawyer, safety; Mike Marry, linebacker; Jeff Scott, running back; Donte Moncrief, wide receiver; James Logan, wide receiver; Randall Mackey, quarterback.

Key losses: Brandon Bolden, Running back; Bobby Massie, tackle; Matt Hall, guard; Justin Smith, defensive tackle; Damien Jackson, safety.

Statistical leaders

Rushing: Jeff Scott (116 rushes for 529 yards with six touchdowns)

Passing: Randall Mackey (77 of 155 for 1,112 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions)

Receiving: Donte Moncrief (31 receptions for 454 yards and four touchdowns)

Tackles: Mike Marry (81)

Sacks: Mike Marry (2)

Interceptions: Charles Sawyer (4)

More on Ole Miss

Ole Miss Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger writer Hugh Kellenberger talks about the Rebels' new coach and turning around from an abysmal 2011 season. Q&A Insider

Did you know: Ole Miss is in its first year under Hugh Freeze. Freeze was brought in from Arkansas State after taking that program to its best season ever in 2011. Freeze is a relatively new head coach as he has only three years of experience. But in that time he has amassed a 30-7 record.

Three things to watch

1. The quarterback battle: This should be an interesting one. Texas fans should be familiar with one of the candidates, Bo Wallace. For a weekend, at least, it was rumored that Wallace was on Texas' radar. He will battle it out with Barry Brunetti in the fall for the starting spot.

2. Solid OL: Five of Ole Miss' offensive linemen have started at least five games each. So this is a team that can protect the quarterback and run the ball.

3. CBs a strength? The Rebels feature two junior college players at cornerback, Wesley Pendleton and Dehendret Collins. Pendleton is in his second year with the program and started 10 games last season. Collins, who transferred in January, is expected to win the other cornerback spot.

Carter Strickland | email

Reporter, HornsNation
  • Reporter for HornsNation
  • Covers Texas Longhorns sports and recruiting
  • Joined ESPN in 2011

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