Ole Miss has Record Crowd for Cellular South Grove Bowl

Nathan Stanley directed touchdown drives in the opening two series of each half, leading the Blue to a 49-35 win over the Red in Saturday's Cellular South Grove Bowl, which drew a record crowd of 30,229 for Ole Miss' spring football finale.
“I made some good decisions and our line and receivers did a really good job,” Stanley said. “I'm not where I want to be physically or as a leader just yet, but compared to where I was, I think there is night and day difference.”
After two seasons backing up Jevan Snead, the sophomore debuted at 11-of-16 for 166 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, Stanley put together consecutive scoring series to open each half.
“Nathan Stanley will go out there first,” confirmed Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. “In those opening series, we saw exactly what we needed to see.”
The Blue had the designed personnel edge, consisting of the No. 1 offense, defense and special teams units. The Red was alloted seven points each quarter and included several projected top reserves.
Quarterback Raymond Cotton, playing with a sore throwing shoulder, was impressive in selected series with both squads. Cotton was 5-of-7 for 178 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown pass to Jesse Grandy.
“We're not afraid to play Raymond Cotton,” Nutt said. “He's can rise to the occasion. We will make a decision on his physical status in the next two weeks. The best case scenario is Raymond can rehab and play, but we're going to do what is best for Raymond.”
The spring game confirmed the offseason expectations from the coaches. The No. 1 defensive unit was dominant, limiting the Red to 132 yards and included a pair of interceptions by Charles Sawyer.
“Are we where we need to be? Not yet. But our defense gives us a chance to be good,” Nutt said. “I love this team. I love their personality. I like the way they listen. They have good listening skills and they want to get better."
Grandy led all receivers with three receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Harris added a 61-yard touchdown pass to go along with the scoring catch by Summers.
“We're still getting there as an offense,” Grandy said. “But our quarterbacks threw it well today and our running backs were really good.”