Aug. 30, 2012

OXFORD, Miss. – With two days remaining until the season opener against Central Arkansas, Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze named his starting quarterback for Saturday’s game, although he made it aware that more than one may see playing time.

“Bo (Wallace) will take the first series, and we’ll see how he’ll do,” Freeze said. “But Barry (Brunetti) will get his chances too. For me, it’s really about who can move our football team and produce the first couple of weeks.”

After announcing the starter, Freeze mentioned the players’ positive response to the decision.

“I thought they were fine; they’re mature and have been through a lot,” he said. “It was solely based upon the competitive situation. (Wallace) graded out a little higher, but that doesn’t mean that he’s going to play any better than Barry Saturday, and vice versa.”

Freeze also mentioned the importance of competition and its impact on the two quarterbacks during the upcoming season.

“I think it’s a good thing if you’re looking over your shoulder,” he said. “A lot of people don’t, but I think competition is awesome. I think they both know they have to compete and produce, and if they do their job and do it well, they won’t have to worry about a whole lot.”

Running back Jeff Scott, who may not be available for Saturday’s opener due to injury, was not at practice on Thursday.

“He went to a specialist today,” Freeze said. “It’s day-to-day, but there’s nothing new.”

Freeze also stressed the positive attitude of his football team going into the season.

“I want them to be loose and have fun,” he said. “They need to enjoy the process and forget all the naysayers. Whether it’s last year or two years ago, it doesn’t matter. What matters is how they’re going to choose to perform on Saturday, and that’s really all I want them concentrating on. No one wants to prove last year was not a typical year for Ole Miss Football more than them.”

The Rebels will begin the 2012 football season this Saturday against Central Arkansas at 6 p.m. For Ole Miss gameday information or to buy season tickets, visit the Rebels' gameday site, OleMissFB.com, or call 888-REB-TKTS (732-8587).