In the end then, Ole Miss is now just a win away from going bowling while Auburn appear to be getting worse on offense, despite the introduction of Kodi Burns at QB.
College: Auburn Conference: Southeastern Columnist: Craig Strachan
Tez Doolittle 99 6' 3.0" 300 5.05 DT 2009
DNP - Groin Injury
Rod Smith 80 5' 11.0" 185 4.50 WR 2009
Started but injured both his hip and ankle on the first series and did not return. Grade: Inconclusive.
Brad Lester 1 5' 11.0" 198 4.48 HB 2009
Started for the Tigers but had just 6 carries for 8 yards in the first quarter and was not seen thereafter. No mention of an injury, so maybe he was benched? Grade: Inconclusive, but tending towards negative.
Oscar Gonzalez 78 6' 7.0" 295 5.15 OT 2009
DNP.
Jason Bosley 68 6' 4.0" 280 5.10 OG 2009
Started this game at center and performed very well. May even have a future there in the pros. Snapped the ball very well and got up into his blocks quickly and without trouble. Got into the second level well when run blocking a decked a couple of linebackers. Grade: Positive.
Tommy Trott 5 6' 5.0" 250 4.75 TE 2010
Had 4 catches again today but for a total of only 26 yards. Doesn't move especially well downfield. Failed to pick up any yards after the catch at all. Doesn't stand out. Called for a needless holding penalty in the 3rd quarter. Grade: Negative.
Tray Blackmon 10 6' 0.0" 220 4.70 LB 2010
DNP - Wrist injury.
Antonio Coleman 52 6' 2.0" 250 4.70 DE 2010
Didn't register a sack to add to his SEC-leading total today but did show me why he's so highly rated in scouting circles. Left the field after taking a bad-looking knock to the knee in the first quarter but returned to the field on the following series. Forced a hurried throw by Snead. Showed a couple of nice pass rush moves when not up against Michael Oher. Will likely have to play OLB in a 3-4 defense with his size, but I anticipate him being able to do that. The question will be whether he can drop into coverage, which was not something he was asked to do in this game. Grade: Slightly positive.
SenDerrick Marks 94 6' 0.6" 288 5.15 DT 2010
Was in and out of this game more regularly than normal as he's struggling with an ankle injury. Recorded only 1 tackle on the day. Wasn't easy to get a gage on just how could he could be. Grade: Inconclusive.
Tyronne Green 71 6' 2.0" 307 5.25 OG 2009
Started at LG and wasn't all that impressive to be honest. Sets up OK in pass protection but looked awful when asked to run block. One play I recall was a run to the right and instead of getting out to his man and diverting him away from the runner, he basically pushed him right into the running back and enabled him to make the tackle. Gave the impression that he's given up on the season. Grade: Negative.
Lee Ziemba 73 6' 8.0" 288 5.00 OT 2011
First time I saw him run onto the field I couldn't help but be impressed by him physically -- I wrote "WOW -- he's huge!" in my notebook. Has great feet for a big guy and was able to consistently divert the defensive end away from his quarterback. Quick enough to run with his man right around the back of the pocket too. Probably needs to bulk up if he really is 288 right now. Grade: Positive.
Ben Tate 44 5' 10.0" 185 4.40 HB 2010
Had only 5 carries but used them to pick up 35 yards and a score. For the TD he waited for the hole to develop in front of him then cut well and punched through. Had a couple of nice blocks for a little guy too. Grade: Slightly positive.
Jerraud Powers 8 5' 9.0" 190 4.45 CB 2010
DNP - Injured hamstring.
Chris Evans 59 6' 0.0" 225 4.70 LB 2009
Not sure if I've ever seen anyone have a quieter 7 tackle game ever. Only major contribution to the game was when he was called for a facemask penalty on 3rd down with the score at 10-7 in the 4th -- Ole Miss went on to score. At least he's not as annoying as his namesake, Chris Evans the highly unfunny British "comedian" and entertainer. Grade: Neutral.
Aairon Savage 5' 10.9" 190 0.00 S 2010
DNP - Injured.
College: Mississippi Conference: Southeastern Columnist: Craig Strachan
Maurice Miller 79 6' 4.0" 343 0.00 OT 2009
Started at RG and played very well. Had his man on the ground on a few occasions and created some good holes for Eason and McCluster to run through. Grade: Slightly positive.
Michael Oher 74 6' 5.0" 325 5.30 OT 2009
Just another day at the office for Michael Oher. Made his 42nd consecutive start for the Rebels at LT and looked just as impressive as ever. He just doesn't let anyone on his watch anywhere near his QB. Very physical and has the mold of a franchise LT. Grade: As positive as ever.
Jamarca Sanford 13 5' 10.0" 200 4.45 S 2009
Last time I watched Ole Miss, I commented that I didn't think Sanford was that good a tackler. Well, either I was wrong or he's been working on it because he tackled very well today. Picked up a couple of TFLs too, one of which was an excellent read of the QB on a pass play into the flat. Got around the field well today too. Not run at too much today though, since Auburn's backs struggled. Grade: Slightly positive.
Greg Hardy 86 6' 5.0" 255 4.70 DE 2010
Dressed to play but didn't see any action. The commentators said "he's been bothered by a foot injury problem all season" but I wonder whether that is the whole story. Grade: Inconclusive.
Cordera Eason 25 5' 9.4" 224 4.70 FB 2010
Had 14 carries for 104 yards today. Ran with purpose and power and was able and willing to get some big gains by just running between the tackles. Doesn't get those sort of stats every week but reminds me a bit of Jacob Hester, the sort of guy who can do a job for you in some way or other. Grade: Positive.
Peria Jerry 98 6' 2.0" 290 5.05 DT 2009
Peria Jerry was the most impressive player in this game today. He was in on 6 tackles and 3 TFLs and just generally looked to be a complete handful on every single play. Has a nice set of pass rush moves, including one where he just pushed an OL straight down to the ground. Very powerful player. Proved just as solid against the run. If he keeps on playing like this down the stretch, he should find himself being picked on day one. Grade: Very positive.
Mico McSwain 40 6' 0.0" 203 4.55 HB 2009
DNP
Mike Wallace 2 6' 0.0" 180 4.38 WR 2009
Played, but really not there. Doesn't offer anything as a receiver that I don't, and there's a reason I play corner! Grade: Negative.
Other Notes:
Redshirt Sophomore #40 DE Kentrell Lockett looked very good out there today. Possibly a mid-round pick in a couple of years.
Junior #3 WR Shay Hodge had another nice day...he seems to play well whenever I watch them.
Junior #22 RB/WR Dexter McCluster is very similar in stature to Michael Smith at Arkansas and just as elusive and quick.
Junior #8 CB Marshay Green is a guy who was recruited to play WR and has now switched over to defense and had a nice game today. Seems a bit short though...