Rebels hope to shrug off LSU loss

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Nov. 24, 2003
OXFORD Ole Miss has no time for sorrows.
One day after a narrow 17-14 loss to No. 3 LSU, the Rebels headed back to the practice field on Sunday to begin preparation for archrival Mississippi State.
Though the Rebels, 8-3 overall and 6-1 in Southeastern Conference games, are tied for first place in the SEC West with LSU, the Tigers now hold the head-to-head tie-breaker. Ole Miss can still win the division title if Arkansas beats LSU this week and the Rebels defeat Mississippi State.
Any other result a Bulldogs win or a Razorbacks loss gives LSU the SEC West title and the accompanying appearance in the conference championship game.
Though the No. 17 Rebels have experience with short weeks under Cutcliffe, turning around to play Mississippi State on Thursday night could prove difficult.
Cutcliffe said his squad was "dejected" after Saturday's loss, and the Rebels were also physically taxed by a bigger, stronger LSU team.
Meanwhile, the 2-9 Bulldogs could be on emotional high as they try to give head coach Jackie Sherrill a win in the last game of his career.
Manning watched from the sidelines of Scott Field as the Bulldogs came from behind to beat Ole Miss 23-20 in 1999. The Rebels quarterback also had arguably the worst game of his career at Starkville in 2001, throwing three interceptions in a 36-28 loss.
And while Manning said the team's full attention is on the Bulldogs, he admitted he will be keeping his fingers crossed for Arkansas.
The Tigers and Razorbacks, apparently unbeknownst to Manning, actually play on Friday. Nonetheless, players will not be the only ones hoping Arkansas trips up LSU to give Ole Miss its first appearance in the SEC championship game.