OXFORD — University of Mississippi first-year football coach Hugh Freeze announced Thursday former East Mississippi Community College All-American Bo Wallace will start for Ole Miss at 6 p.m. Saturday when it opens the 2012 season against the University of Central Arkansas at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
“To me, it’s still co-number one,” Freeze said. “Bo will take the first series. We’ll see how he’ll do and Barry will get his chances, too.”
Wallace led EMCC to a 12-0 record and the NJCAA national title last year. The Pulaski, Tenn., native, who Freeze recruited to Arkansas State out of high school, set NJCAAA records last year for single-season passing yards (4,604) and touchdown passes (53).
Wallace battled junior Barry Brunetti for the job throughout spring drills and fall practice.
“It’s really about who can move our football team and produce the first couple of weeks,” Freeze 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 said the competition at the position won’t stop because he named Wallace the starter for the first game.
“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.”
Brunetti, a backup quarterback last year, impressed the coaching staff with his conditioning and quickness. Freeze believes both quarterbacks are capable, but is looking for one to separate himself during the first few weeks.
At running back, Jeff Scott is doubtful for Saturday’s game. He wasn’t at practice Thursday.
“He went to a specialist today,” Freeze said. “It’s day to day, but there’s nothing new.”
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