The QB Shuffle: Rebels turn to Mackey

The Ole Miss Rebels, who currently stand 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the SEC, have started not one, not two, but three quarterbacks during the first five games of 2011.

Head coach Houston Nutt began the season with Barry Brunetti, however, Brunetti failed to make it through the first half of the season opener against BYU before being replaced by Zack Stoudt.

Stoudt, who completed the contest against the Cougars, was named the starter against Southern Illinois, Vanderbilt, and Georgia. However, during the contest with the Bulldogs, Stoudt shared game action with junior signal caller Randall Mackey.

Stoudt, hampered by a total of six interceptions versus only two touchdowns during his time as a starter, would eventually lose the job to Mackey.

Entering the contest at Fresno State on Oct. 1, Mackey would be the lone quarterback for the Rebels and would also prove to be the most “fruitful selection” of the season.

Mackey threw for 218 yards against FS while completing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Melvin Harris.

The Rebels, who were idle last week, now carry a bit of confidence into the game against Alabama due in large measure to solid quarterback play from Randall Mackey, and the belief the offense is more “efficient” with Mackey at the helm.

Ole Miss could very well have a productive future with Mackey at the controls, but when the “opening day” quarterback is now the
third-stringer just five games into the season…”Houston (Nutt) we have a problem.”