Houston Nutt’s debut as head coach of Ole Miss was successful as the Rebels pounded the University of Memphis 41-24 Saturday in Oxford in the season opener for both teams.
Ole Miss WR Dexter McCluster scores on a 32-yard run
Running a variation of the Wild Hog offense Nutt employed at the University of Arkansas, new starting QB Jevan Snead completed 10-of-22 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Snead hit Jay Hodge on scoring plays of 64 and 15 yards and Dexter McCluster caught four passes for 61 yards.
Snead’s debut was respectable, although he made a few mistakes, overthrowing several receivers. Snead was playing in his first game since 2006 when he played in a handful of games for Texas before sitting out last season under NCAA transfer rules.
The Tigers were breaking in a new QB as well, with starter Arkelon Hall struggling to run Memphis’ spread option offense. Hall completed 15-of-27 passes for 159 yards and one interception before leaving the game due to an injury.
For Memphis, it was business as usual. The Tigers were able to move the ball, outgaining Ole Miss 453-438, but the defense gave up too many big plays and was unable to keep the Rebels out of the endzone.
Memphis DB Brandon Patterson tackles McCluster
With the focus on Snead, McCluster was offensive star of the game, gaining 64 yards on six carriers and scoring on a 32-yard run late in the first quarter to give Ole Miss a 14-7 lead.
Brandon Bolden led the Rebels ground game with 76 yards on eight carries, scoring once on a 10-yard run. Bolden also had a completion of 37 yards to Snead from the shotgun formation.
Nutt’s infectious enthusiasm spilled over to the players and fans, something the Rebels lacked under former coach Ed Orgeron. With only a few mistakes being made – mostly as a result of first game jitters – the Rebels executed their new offense quite well.
Up next for Ole Miss is a road date against No. 23 Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons won their opener Thursday night on the road against Baylor, 41-13.
Memphis will have to regroup as they prepare to play their home opener next week against Rice. The Owls won their season opener Thursday night against SMU, 56-27.
Check out the game statistics here.
