MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Hughes, Reynolds, Barnett, Boyd, Brown, Carpenter, Denny, Foster, Hale, Hopkins, Lamar, Massengill, Mettetal, Patterson, Sanford, Steverson, Touchstone, Wilson, Zuber
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI REBELS FOOTBALL TEAM AND VETERAN HEAD COACH HUGH FREEZE FOR WINNING THE 2015 ALL STATE SUGAR BOWL AND COMPLETING A TEN WIN SEASON.
WHEREAS, the University of Mississippi Rebels Football Team swiftly defeated the Oklahoma State University-Stillwater Cowboys 48-20 in the 2015 All State Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2016, culminating a very impressive season for the Rebels; and
WHEREAS, Ole Miss' Sugar Bowl victory marked the first time the team had won the prestigious bowl game in 46 years, the first time the team had finished the season with 10 victories since 2003 and the first time the team had reigned victorious in a New Year's Six game; and
WHEREAS, Chad Kelly, the quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, had a record-breaking bowl game, completing 21 of 33 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns and rushing ten times for 73 yards, while star receiver, Laquon Treadwell, caught six passes for 71 yards and scored three touchdowns, one of which broke Shay Hodge's single-season record for career receiving yards; and
WHEREAS, perhaps the most fan-pleasing touchdown of the game came as time was expiring in the first half, and Laremy Tunsil, stand-out left tackle, rushed for a 2-yard touchdown as the crowded Superdome erupted in applause and merriment as the Rebels ran into the locker room with a 34-6 lead; and
WHEREAS, the 2015 football season was extremely special for the Ole Miss Rebels, who handed the National Championship winning University of Alabama its only loss, a 43-37 victory in Tuscaloosa, clenched a 38-17 victory in the Magnolia Bowl against Louisiana State University and silenced the cow bells of in-state rival, Mississippi State University, with a 38-27 triumph in the Egg Bowl; and
WHEREAS, the Rebels faced off with some of the nation's best contenders on the gridiron, but despite the obstacles that riddled the 2015 season for the Ole Miss Rebels, including suspensions, injuries and losses to the Memphis Tigers, Florida Gators and Arkansas Razorbacks, they persevered to make their presence and talent known as gladiators of college football and contenders for national awards and recognition; and
WHEREAS, the team played with nothing but heart and soul all season, and the very talented and distinguished roster, which ultimately catapulted them to the All State Sugar Bowl, was superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Hugh Freeze, who has broadened the Rebels' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and
WHEREAS, Coach Freeze built upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to recruit high caliber players and produce plays that garner fear in the minds of all the competitors; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of college student athletes such as the University of Mississippi Rebels who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi with their remarkable season of play:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the University of Mississippi Rebels Football Team and veteran Head Coach Hugh Freeze for winning the 2015 All State Sugar Bowl and finishing with a 10-win season, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future athletic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Hugh Freeze and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.