MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Mayo, Brown (20th), Aldridge, Bain, Beckett, Brown (66th), Hamilton, Horan, Howell, Kinkade, Lamar, Massengill, Mettetal, Moak, Reynolds, Rogers (14th), Smith (39th), White
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2013 OLE MISS REBELS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON THAT CONCLUDED WITH A CONVINCING VICTORY IN THE FRANKLIN AMERICAN MUSIC CITY BOWL.
WHEREAS, the football program at the University of Mississippi, referred to with affection as "Ole Miss," continued the Rebels' return to prominence and became the 23rd Ole Miss team to win a bowl game after Head Coach Hugh Freeze successfully inspired the 2013 Rebel team in year two as head football coach of the Rebels; and
WHEREAS, Coach Freeze's first Rebel unit finished ninth in the conference, winning three conference games and losing three others in nail biters in a 7-6 season, and his second unit improved on that record with an 8-5 campaign; and
WHEREAS, over 50,000 mostly University of Mississippi football fans saw the Rebels win their sixth straight bowl game tying Florida State University for the current longest streak in the nation, and the Franklin American Music City Bowl in Nashville on December 30, 2013, was the second appearance for the Rebels in the bowl and the 35th bowl appearance in school history; and
WHEREAS, on that crisp, winter day at LP Field the contest between the University of Mississippi and Georgia Tech University was a fitting finale to the Rebels' season that began with a thrilling victory over Vanderbilt University in their stadium nearby in the Music City, Bo Wallace's prolific running and passing, Donte Moncrief's outstanding receiving contributions, and I'Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton's strong runs and especially gritty play from the Rebel defense enabled Ole Miss to solidly beat Georgia Tech 25-17; and
WHEREAS, the season began successfully for the Rebels when Coach Freeze led his team to its first 3-0 start in many years, when Ole Miss came out victorious in its opener at Vanderbilt University with a thrilling finish capped by Jeff Scott's tremendous late 70 plus yard touchdown run, a home opener win against Southeast Missouri State University and a convincing defeat of the University of Texas in Austin highlighted by a Jeff Scott 70 plus yard punt return for a touchdown; and
WHEREAS, the Rebels' 2013 season was highlighted by the recapturing of the Magnolia Bowl Trophy after a blissful victory over Louisiana State University on October 19, 2013, in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium when placekicker Andrew Ritter nailed a 42 yard field goal with two seconds left on the clock, sending the Rebel fans into a frenzy upon the defeat of the Number 6 ranked Tigers; and
WHEREAS, the Rebels also prevailed against Idaho, Arkansas and Troy in 2013, and have high hopes for the upcoming 2014 season with numerous starters and experienced players returning; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize excellence, and to commend those athletic teams that bring honor to their university and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2013 Ole Miss Rebels Football Team and Head Coach Hugh Freeze for an outstanding season that concluded with a convincing victory in the Franklin American Music City Bowl, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Hugh Freeze, Athletic Director Ross Bjork, Chancellor Dan Jones and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.