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Instead, five straight Southeastern Conference losses followed a promising 5-1 start -- which included an upset of then-No. 6 Florida -- and just getting to Shreveport became a struggle for Ole Miss. A 27-23 bowl win against Nebraska soothed -- but didn't heal -- the memory of the SEC slide. "I think you're a hungrier team when you win, because that hunger comes from tasting victory," coach David Cutcliffe said. "When you lose, you're frustrated. We're a very hungry football team right now." Ole Miss is also a football team that returns 14 starters and most of the prominent playmakers from a successful passing game. It all starts with quarterback Eli Manning, the school's career passing leader and son of the school's most loved football hero, Archie Manning. OFFENSIVE KEYS: The fact that Manning threw all but five of the 486 passes attempted by Ole Miss last season underscores his importance to the Rebels. Manning threw for 3,401 yards, but his touchdowns were fewer (21) and his interceptions more (15) than his sophomore season when his ratio was 31-9.The reason he returned for his senior year is simple. "I thought we could win some more games, and that I could be a better quarterback," Manning said. Part A of Manning's theory could depend on the feet of his teammates as much as his own arm. The Rebels were woeful rushing the football last season; their 94.3 yards-per-game average ranked a distant last in the SEC. Jamal Pittman, a highly regarded redshirt freshman tailback, tore his ACL in a spring scrimmage, so if improvement is to come it likely will come from the same cast. Speedy Ronald McClendon returns for his senior year after leading the team in rushing with 378 yards. Chris Collins and Bill Flowers return to lead a deep and talented receiving corps; both caught more than 50 balls last season. Experienced senior Justin Sawyer steps in for All-SEC pick Ben Claxton at center. Starting guards Doug Buckles and Marcus Johnson, plus reserve Chris Spencer, provide experience and flexibility. DEFENSIVE KEYS: Eight starters return, but two of the three losses -- Eddie Strong and Matt Grier -- were critical in the first season of a 4-2-5 scheme. Senior L.P. Spence will get the first crack at replacing Strong, and Justin Wade will start at the other linebacker spot.Tackle Jesse Mitchell is an emotional team leader, and the Rebels expect to have quality depth up front. Coaches believe Kelvin Robinson, a very physical player, can do the types of things Grier did at strong safety. "He has lots of technique and alignment work ahead, but he can really make plays," first-year coordinator Chuck Driesbach said. Senior Von Hutchins moved from weak safety to cornerback late last season and remained at corner in the spring. Sophomore Travis Johnson returns, as well. SPECIAL TEAMS: Punter Cody Ridgeway struggled with consistency at times but did manage to end up with a 42.4-yard average. Place-kicker Jonathan Nichols hit 15-of-20 field goals last year, including all five from beyond 40 yards. The Rebels will be looking for a long snapper in the fall to replace the dependable A.J. Kiami.FINAL ANALYSIS: Those chiefly responsible for the No. 2 passing offense in the SEC return, but so do those for the league's worst running game. Pittman's injury means that little new blood will be added to the race for the starting tailback job. Sophomore Brandon Jacobs will be an interesting body to watch after moving over from fullback, but Jacobs lost valuable time nursing an injury in the spring. Defensively, increased depth should allow the Rebels to improve against the run and overcome the loss of two valuable players. If Ole Miss beats Texas Tech at home Sept. 27, a favorable schedule down the stretch -- five of the final seven are at home -- could have the Rebels in position for the strong finish that escaped them last year.• Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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