Rebels hope to change history

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Nov. 7, 2003
OXFORD These are unchartered waters for Eli Manning.
Since he came to Ole Miss in 1999, he has constantly walked in the shadow of his father, legendary Rebels quarterback Archie Manning. Every accomplishment by the son has been compared to the father. Every touchdown from Eli has drawn nostalgic recollections of another Manning who once took snaps for the Rebels.
But now, Eli is alone. Not even his father can empathize with him, because at 5-0 in Southeastern Conference play, the youngest Manning has the Rebels enjoying success not seen well before Archie came to Oxford.
Perfect through five conference games and at 7-2 overall, the Rebels control their own destiny in the SEC West division. The way will not be easy, though.
With a win at Auburn on Saturday, the Rebels would eliminate the Tigers from contention in the SEC West, setting up a potential title-deciding game against LSU on Nov. 22.
Big games are things to which the Rebels are unaccustomed. More often than not in recent years, Ole Miss has been eliminated from serious title contention by November.
Auburn, though, has tied for the SEC West title in each of the last three seasons. Facing elimination on Saturday, the Tigers' biggest asset may be its experience.
Also on Auburn's side is history. The Tigers have beaten Ole Miss in 18 of their last 20 meetings, dating back to a 35-28 Auburn win in the 1971 Gator Bowl Archie Manning's final game.
Ole Miss has beaten Auburn at home only once, a 24-17 overtime decision in 1999.
The Tigers began the season ranked 6th nationally, but an 0-2 start with losses to Southern Cal and Georgia Tech doomed Auburn's national title hopes.
The Rebels also began slowly, stumbling to a 2-2 start before beginning a five-game winning streak which they carry into Saturday's game.
Slow starts or not, the stakes are high for both teams.
Cutcliffe said the Tiger defense is without weakness, and for good reason. Auburn's pass defense is ranked second in the conference behind only Georgia. The Tigers will look to senior linebackers Karlos Dansby and Dontarrious Thomas to pressure Manning with heavy blitzes.
The Rebels' defense will also look to get into the Auburn backfield. Running back Carnell Williams could eclipse the 1,000-yard mark against Ole Miss with 113 yards, and if the Tigers' talented offensive line can hold its blocks, quarterback Jason Campbell could pick apart a struggling Ole Miss pass defense.