By Mike Fracogna. Special to the Clarion-Ledger Sunday print edition (October 6)
Stories From 125 Years of Ole Miss Football, edited by Neil White, takes readers on a memorable journey of the Rebels fabled past. From the first gridiron contest in 1893 through 2017 season, the book covers twelve exciting decades of Ole Miss football history.
White and over fifty contributors detail a “scrapbook” narrative with many never-before told stories, backed with photographs and memorabilia from private collections and the University’s archives. The unique culture and traditions of Ole Miss are brought vividly to life by some of the University’s favorite sons. These personal accounts display a deeply passionate appreciation for the University of Mississippi.
Colorful details are devoted to past games against Ole Miss arch-rivals Arkansas, LSU, and, of course, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Of particular interest is the section entitled David v. Goliath, which recaps four of the Rebels greatest upset victories in its storied history. The unforgettable 20-13 win over No. 3 ranked Notre Dame in 1977 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, in what many fans say, was the hottest day ever to watch a football game. The 31-30 victory in 2018 over No. 4 ranked Florida Gators in the Swamp in Gainesville. The 1952 upset of No. 3 ranked Maryland which snapped a 22-game winning streak for the Terrapins and put Ole Miss football on the national map. And, the memorable 2015 victory (43-37) over national champion contender Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
Long time editor of the Ole Miss spirit and life-long Rebel fan Chuck Rounsaville, provides a heart-felt essay describing his beloved red and blue teams. He says, “Rebel memories are buried into my brain like a tattoo on a Sailor’s chest.”
There are so many memories from so many gridiron heroes like Parker Hall, who led the nation in 1936 in six individual categories—scoring, highest average per rush, highest average per kickoff and punt return, most pass interception yards, TD’s responsible, and all purpose yards per game. Stars such as Kayo Dottley, Archie Manning, Bruiser Kinard, Patrick Willis, Charlie Conerly, Eli Manning, Charlie Flowers, Jake Gibbs, and Deuce McAllister shine, to mention just a few.
The book cherishes memories created by the greatest Ole Miss teams of all-time: The National Champion 1959 squad considered one of the best defensive teams in college football history; the National Champion 1962 team, the only undefeated, united team Ole Miss team; the 1960, 1910, 1947, 1954, 2003, 2015 teams, all remarkable campaigns that helped build Ole Miss into a national power.
White’s scrapbook narrative is packed with lists of Ole Miss All-Time Offense, Defense, Greatest Victories, Most Disappointing Defeats, Greatest Teams, Top Ten NFL Players of All-Time, and many more.
It takes a lot of history to make traditions, and Stories From 125 Years of Ole Miss Football is loaded with both. Hotty Toddy!
X.M. (Mike) Fracogna, Jr. is an attorney in Jackson. Mike and his two sons, Mike III and Marty, both attorneys, have authored five books and produced six film documentaries about Mississippi high school and Juco football.
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