Texas Tech
(7-4 record; Spike Dykes, 11th year) |
Mississippi
(6-5 record; David Cutcliffe, 1st game) |
School's Bowl Record: 5-16-1
Coach's Bowl Record: 2-4
Last Bowl Appearance: December 29, 1996 (Lost to Iowa 27-0 in Alamo Bowl)
Record in Independence Bowl: 0-1 (Lost to Mississippi 20-17 in 1986) |
School's Bowl Record: 15-11
Coach's Bowl Record: 0-0
Last Bowl Appearance: December 26, 1997 (Beat Marshall 34-31 in Motor City Bowl)
Record in Independence Bowl: 1-1 (Beat Texas Tech 20-17 in 1986)
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Offensive Stud |
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Ricky Williams, RB, So. (306 carries, 1,582 yards, 13 TDs): Everyone knows about the Heisman Trophy winner, but this little guy (5' 7", 182 pounds) is just as productive.
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Deuce McAllister, RB, So. (212 carries, 1,082 yards, 7 TDs): Big (6' 2", 215 pounds) back is second in Rebels history to have 1,000-yard season; will shoulder offensive load.
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Defensive Stud |
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Montae Reagor, DE, Sr. (96 tackles, 7 sacks, 19 TFLs): Dominant playmaker earned some first-team All-America honors. |
Kendrick Clancy, DT, Jr. (53 tackles, 14 TFLs): Juco transfer stepped right in and made an impact; no other defender had more than 5 TFLs.
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Player to Watch |
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Donnie Hart, WR, Sr. (48 catches, 871 yards, 7 TDs): Deep threat (18.1 yards per catch) opens things up for Williams. |
Rufus French, TE, Jr. (35 catches, 386 yards, 2 TDs): The team's best player and a surefire future pro will have to find ways to get open for inexperienced QB.
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Key Stats |
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Three of team's losses (Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma) were by three points or less, and three were on the road (Colorado, Texas A&M, Oklahoma).
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Former coach Tommy Tuberville took eight of his nine assistants with him when he accepted the Auburn job.
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Surprise Stat |
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No. 8 nationally in total defense (285.0 ypg). |
Relatively high No. 29 nationally in rushing defense (130.0 ypg).
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1998 Turning Point |
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November 14 -- QB Rob Peters scored with 25 seconds left as Red Raiders win shootout over Texas 42-35, ending a three-game losing streak and making a big impression on bowl committees.
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December 6 -- Florida was selected to the Orange Bowl, opening up an eighth SEC bowl berth, which went to the Rebels despite a season-ending three-game losing streak.
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Key to Victory |
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Ensuring that uniforms and equipment get to the stadium in time for kickoff.
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Lots of prayer. A series of injuries to Texas Tech starters.
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Outlook |
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This rematch of the 1986 Independence Bowl, won by Ole Miss, should go easily to the Red Raiders. Save for a few bounces, this team might be in the BCS.
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As if a new coaching staff and system weren't enough, the Rebels also have freshman walk-on David Morris at quarterback because starter Romaro Miller broke his collar bone November 21 against Georgia. Ole Miss doesn't have a chance.
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