http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/sep/02/nutt-finds-a-lot-to-like-from-rebs-play/
OXFORD, Miss. — On Sunday, Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt broke down the film of Saturday’s season-opening victory over the University of Memphis for his players. And in that dark meeting room at the Indoor Practice Facility, he made sure to emphasize all the positives.
The unselfishness. The outstanding blocking. The poise. The all-around team effort that sparked Ole Miss’ 41-24 victory.
Nutt wanted to be enthusiastic, because he said he was proud of the way his team played in his debut as Ole Miss’ coach. But amid the good feeling, he also uncovered more than enough teaching moments to motivate the Rebels as they began to prepare to visit No. 23 Wake Forest on Saturday.
“We left 21 points out on that field, bottom line,” Nutt said, “and you can’t do that. When you get into the SEC or you play a team like Wake Forest, you can’t make mistakes like that and get off the field, because they will capitalize on it.”
Citing his primary concern, Nutt said he wants to work on finishing plays. Go until the whistle, he said: Execute that last block, and see what happens.
At the same time, he expressed disappointment with his defensive line, which was hindered by the absences of junior end Greg Hardy and senior tackle Peria Jerry. Both were sidelined with injuries, but Jerry practiced Sunday and participated in about half the drills. Ole Miss could use him against Wake Forest, though Nutt cautioned against expecting too much too soon.
“We’re hoping, but we don’t know,” Nutt said. “We know he’s not 100 percent, but we’re hoping at the end of this week that he’ll possibly give us a few snaps.”
Memphis produced 453 yards of total offense, including 188 yards on the ground, and Ole Miss was not particularly strong between the tackles.
“They can do better,” Nutt said. “I’ve seen them do so much better.”
Wake Forest, against all odds, has become the toast of the otherwise forlorn Atlantic Coast Conference, whose top two teams — No. 9 Clemson and No. 17 Virginia Tech — lost over the weekend. The Demon Deacons, meantime, clobbered Baylor, 41-13, serving notice to anyone who has been asleep for the past three seasons that they are one of the most fundamentally sound and opportunistic teams in the country.
While junior quarterback Riley Skinner was completing 27-of-36 passes for 220 yards against Baylor, Wake Forest’s defense was forcing five turnovers — which was nothing new. The Demon Deacons ranked fourth in the country in forced turnovers last season, and they returned nine starters on defense.
“They’re just like magnets to the ball,” Nutt said. “They’re so disciplined and so well-coached.”
Ole Miss was disciplined against Memphis. The Rebels played turnover-free football and were penalized just four times for 45 yards. Nutt praised sophomore quarterback Jevan Snead, whose Ole Miss debut was solid if unspectacular. He completed 10-of-22 passes for 185 yards, though Nutt said Snead struggled to connect with “the deep ball,” one of his strengths throughout preseason camp.
Memphis Commercial Appeal
9/2/08
