Behind The Scoreboard - Claude Vinson


Thursday, October 5, 2006
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Behind The Scoreboard
By Claude Vinson

Not throwing in towel on Rebels

There is growing discontent down the road in Faulkner-land.

The Ole Miss fans and supporters are beginning to have doubts about the eventual success of the current season. The Rebels have not fared well at all since their season opening defeat of the University of Memphis Tigers.

The Ole Miss hierarchy is firmly entrenched in all of their tactical decisions of the last couple of years. They keep expounding upon residual benefits of football seasons to come.

Now, there are many who are questioning the decision to terminate David Cutcliffe and hire Ed Orgeron.

When a dissecting comparison is made, there is room for a few “oh my’s.” Head coaches have to start somewhere and this is “Coach O’s” first stint. He has a stretch to go to catch up to the standards left by Cutcliffe.

This Rebel watcher has not thrown in the towel yet, although he is having a hard time reconciling the losses to Wake Forest (going without three star players), Kentucky and Missouri. They partially redeemed themselves on Saturday with the strong showing against the 10th ranked Georgia Bulldogs. A fan can expect, and respect, a loss like that (14-9).

If the storm is brewing mildly to the south of us, it could be brewing mightily to the north. The University of Memphis is also having early season strife.

Head coach Tommy West is bearing the brunt of his decision to fire his defensive coordinator, Joe Lee Dunn.

Granted, coaches have tough rows to hoe, but picking the right time to do some things can have effects not immediately foreseen.

The Tigers were preparing for their biggest game of the season versus Tennessee. Never mind the non-conference ties. This is one of the biggest rivalries in these here parts.

Is it sound jurisprudence to expect a team to abandon one system and adjust to another within the two-week span? Hey, just asking.

Anyway, all of us in SEC land still have a lot to be proud of – five teams in the top 25 and two of those undefeated (Auburn and Florida).

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