MM #2 The Grove Bowl

Clint Tucker

4/22/12

Journalism 102

                                                                             The Grove Bowl In Review

 

The annual Bancorp South Grove Bowl was held yesterday with a surprise crowd on hand. About 25,000 rebel faithful showed up to watch the Red and Blue Game to see what progression first year Ole Miss Coach Hugh Freeze had made during the spring

Many came in hope that the game would give the coaches a clear leader at quarterback heading into the fall. The fans were not disappointed with how their standout junior college quarterback (Bo Wallace) played Saturday. Wallace a transfer from East Mississippi Community college had a great game for the red team. He threw for 240 yards (16-26) and two touchdowns.

 

 His competition, Barry Brunetti, had a good game but in a different way. Brunetti was only 4-10 passing but ran the ball very well, rushing for 136 yards on 14 carries. Some thought Brunetti had a leg up on Wallace because he played the spread at West Virginia and he’s been here for a year. However, the game spoke for itself. Wallace appears to have set himself up as the frontrunner.

                Another player that was in contention for the quarterback job was Randall Mackay until he switched last week to the wide receiver position. Mackay, was a bit of a surprise Saturday as he took snaps from receiver, tail back, and some direct snaps at quarterback in the wildcat formation.

                Other  players that shined were wide receivers Donte Moncrief                and Ja-mes Logan. Moncrief had two touchdowns while Logan caught one as well. On the defensive side of the ball C.J. Johnson lead the team with eight tackles and a sack to go along with it. Middle Linebacker Mike Marry recorded six tackles and cornerback Dehendret Collins picked off two passes. Also the kicking game had a great day with kicker Bryson Rose connected on a 50 yarder and teammate Andrew Ritter hit a 45 yarder as well.

                The game went into overtime and saw the Red Team prevail at the last play. While there were many ups and downs throughout the game, one thing is for certain. There really isn’t much to tell until fall.