Jackson Free Press

October21, 2009

Some of Mississippi's college football teams started the season with great expectations. Others sought to rebuild for future success. Here's their mid-term report record.

Ole Miss
At 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the SEC West, the Rebels' dream of a trip to the SEC title game and a possible BCS bowl game is over. Coach Houston Nutt blamed the media for the Rebels' woes after the season-killing loss to Alabama, saying his team had been over-hyped.

Well, Houston, Ole Miss starting quarterback Jevan Snead isn't a member of the media. He came up small in the Rebels' two losses, wasting good performances by the UM defense. Granted, Snead got little protection from his offensive line, but he didn't do much when he had the chance.

Before the season, Snead was being touted as a future first-round pick in the NFL draft. So far, he's 80 of 161 for 1,108 yards and 12 touchdowns this year with nine interceptions. Those are not first-round numbers.

The Rebels still have a chance for a winning season and a "nice" bowl. But Ole Miss fans were hoping for so much more.

Grade: F.

Mississippi State
First-year coach Dan Mullen promised that he would put the Bulldogs (3-4, 1-2 SEC) in a position to win. So far, he's done that as the Bulldogs have only been blown out once. But actually winning games has been problematic.

State lost three straight home games to ranked teams—LSU, Georgia Tech and Houston—by a total of 22 points. There was much "shoulda won" talk among MSU fans, particularly after the LSU and Houston games. That talk ignores the fact that MSU turned over the ball 13 times in those three games. The Bulldogs have also given up big plays on defense and special teams.

Grade: D and the schedule gets even tougher from here.

Southern Miss
It's been another season, another slump for the Golden Eagles (4-3, 2-1 C-USA). USM suffered three straight close losses, two of them to BCS teams. Even worse, starting quarterback Austin Davis was lost for the season because of a foot injury.

Martevious Young has played well in his two games at quarterback. But the Eagles can't afford to lose their two main offensive weapons, running back Damion Fletcher and receiver DeAndre Brown, again. That's what cost USM the UAB game.

The Eagles are among C-USA's leaders in offense, defense and ugly uniforms in their second season under coach Larry Fedora. USM can still win the C-USA East, but the Eagles can't afford another loss.

Grade: C.

Jackson State
The Tigers (1-5, 1-2 SWAC) haven't been completely dreadful this season. The defense has played well for the most part. The Tigers are second in the conference in total defense, even if they do give up too many rushing yards.

The Tigers' offense is last in the SWAC and 106th the nation. I don't think coach Rick Comegy's quick hook on his quarterbacks has helped matters. But Trae Rutland, who has started for much of the season, has done nothing to inspire confidence.

Questionable play-calling has plagued the Tigers. One TV station reported that the offensive players boycotted Monday's practice. And the Tigers have trouble hanging on to the ball. JSU has 17 turnovers this season including six in last week's loss to Texas Southern.

Sadly, JSU can still win the SWAC East and go to the conference title game. Do the Tiger fans really want to see that?

Grade: F.

The Smalls
Belhaven: The Blazers (4-3, 3-0 MSC) won four straight after starting 0-2. So far, so good for first-year coach Joseph Thrasher. Grade: B.
Millsaps: First-year quarterback Chris Graves has shown flashes of brilliance for the Majors (4-3, 3-1 SCAC). Grade: B.
Mississippi College: The Choctaws (5-1, 4-0 ASC) have beaten the ASC's best and are on their way to a conference title and an NCAA Division III playoff berth. Grade: A.
Delta State: The Statesmen (3-4, 3-3) were expected to contend for a third straight league title and possibly a national title. That won't happen. Grade: F.
Mississippi Valley State: Little was expected of the Delta Devils (2-4, 1-3 SWAC). They have delivered. Grade: F.
Alcorn State: After starting 0-3, the Braves (2-3, 2-1 SWAC) have won two straight and lead the SWAC East. Grade: C-minus for exceeding expectations.

This Week's Winners
Ole Miss, Millsaps, Jackson State, Mississippi College, Southern Miss and Delta State.