Tuesday Question - 11/17/2009
by Ivory Tower on Nov 17, 2009 10:38 AM EST
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PrintGenerally, we are the "authors" of "content" around here - "here" being a blog and not a message board. Recognize, we do, that you've come here not to contribute, but to consume. Nevertheless, there is the sporadic occasion where, either for our benefit or for to exercise the thinkifiers of the masses, we ask you a question. Today's question is ...
Is Dexter McCluster the greatest Rebel to ever wear #22?
With three games left in his career in red and blue, it is time to start talking about the legend, the legacy of da lil' bastid. Forewarning, this question is uninformed to some degree because my memory only reaches so far into the deep. If J.Q. "Bonecrusher" McGillicutty really dominated for the Rebs back in '32 while wearing the double deuces, please give my regards to his great grandchildren, but, honestly, I am cognizant - even after cursory research - of only McCluster, Dou Innocent, and the almighty Deuce.
Entertain the idea of Innocent, if for no other reason than his awesome name. Holy Moley Cheese Cannoli, he racked up 242 rushing yards against the Maroon in 1995. His 2322 career yards places him fourth all-time. And his ten career 100-yard games trails only Joe Gunn (12) and McAllister.
The exploits of Deuce McAllister need not -but will be - explored here. His 37 rushing touchdowns are the most in Ole Miss history. His 3060 career rushing yards are the most in Ole Miss history. His contemporaries were Joe Gunn and John Avery. He and Gunn shared 1,246 snaps between 1997 and 2001. Dexter McCluster is not going to eclipse Deuce McAllister as a function of career statistics.
But what of results? With the help of Deuce McAllister Ole Miss went to four straight bowls ('97 Motor City, '98 Independence, '99 Independence, and '00 Music City). McAllister put everything he had - 40 rushes - into a 1998 Egg Bowl that, unfortunately, sent Tommy Tuberville out a 6-28 loser. Deuce was a two-time member of the All-SEC first team.
But, here is Dexter. The offensive MVP of the 2009 Cotton Bowl. Riddled with injuries as a freshman and sophomore, yet had 126 all-purpose yards the first time we saw him against Memphis in 2006. In 2009, Dexter is average 7.1 yards per rush. Twice this season he is the run-away SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Against Tennessee, he is named National Player of the Week. In an Auburn loss, Dexter rushed 22 times and caught 4 passes for 260 all-purpose yards. The consensus among Auburn fans was that we had not given it to McCluster enough. In losses to Alabama and South Carolina, McCluster had a combined 24 touches - most of those coming in a desperate fourth quarter against the Gamecocks. The inference is clear - in 2009 Dexter is the difference between winning and losing.
The wins against Tennessee and Arkansas in 2009 are highly memorable for Ole Miss fans. Dexter simply comes up big in big games like few Rebels before him. When the coaches were not giving him the ball, he kept working. And while all we Ole Miss fans have been screaming "I told you so" at our coaching staff, McCluster has been humble, grateful, and dominant.
At, allegedly, 5'9" 170, Dexter might not fill out a jersey quite like Deuce did, but he has played up to - and in my opinion, beyond - those legendary numbers. Dexter McCluster is the greatest player to wear #22.
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Greatest ever to wear 22?
Maybe. He definitely belongs in the conversation.
Without a doubt, though, Dexter McCluster is my favorite Rebel of all time.
Deuce wins
Dex it great, and it’s possible that he could have been the greatest. But Deuce is the greatest. He was unbelievable for the 4 yrs he was playing in Vaught-Hemmingway. When I see a Rebel kid wearing 22, I’ll certainly think of Deuce first. He is my favorite Rebel…ever…but only b/c i never actually say Archie play.
BTW, weren’t you a State fan when Deuce and Due played for Ole Miss?
You're a dick.
Deuce brought me around.
Funny thing, the first time I really noticed that the Ole Miss band plays “I saw the light” was as a freshman in 2003 at the State game. I made such an obvious, but ultimately good decision.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Destroying your traditions since [YEAR REDACTED].
by Ivory Tower on Nov 17, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
If I remember....
That game we sat behind some douchy old State fans in the pouring rain. (Well, they were not there long at least) my question is this… Did our band travel to that game and play through the rain?
by astaylo1 on Nov 17, 2009 3:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes.
Band was there, played through rain, went home to late Thanksgiving thoroughly sickified.
by OxfordAndrew on Nov 17, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Deuce
Love me some Dex, but you can’t say 1 great year = 4. Dex, however, is the most electric player to ever wear a Rebel jersey, not just #22.
again...
If Dex had been healthy his entire tenure at Ole Miss and had we played better during his underclassmen years, then I think this argument would be a lot more heated. My vote goes to Deuce.
Now. Who do you think will do better playing on Sundays?
by 7thYearJunior on Nov 17, 2009 11:06 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Sundays...
Depends on Dex’s ability to stay healthy. If he does, he is Chris Johnson part duex and easily surpasses Deuce’s very respectable NFL career.
The difference between the two, for me
is in the ends of the seasons. Despite Deuce’s abilities – and a similarly talented supporting cast – we never played in January. And some of his greatest games were, in fact, losses.
Dexter has pulled this team up on his tiny back and has potential to play us into January. Deuce never did that.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Destroying your traditions since [YEAR REDACTED].
by Ivory Tower on Nov 17, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Different day, different program
Does anyone remember how excited we were just to go bowling during Deuce’s days? Deuce also has the full four years of work to bolster his resume. And Deuce carried the Rebels plenty. Also, some of Dex’s greatest games have ended in losses (read: Auburn).
Dex...easy.
There is no way that you can say Dex is not the best. He does anything we ask him to do and more and he does it at an incredible level.
His primary role changes every season, if not from game to game sometimes. Need trickery? Need someone to manage the Wild Rebel? Give him the ball. Need a big catch on 3rd and long (or medium)? Throw it to Dex over the middle; he gets crushed or lays out but makes the catch. Need someone to run on any play and make something happened? We’ve been seeing that all year.
I refuse to blame Dex for the poor decisions by coaches not to get him the ball and say “Dex, we need you to do…” Everyone has been calling him a RB this year, but they forget that he is in fact a WR. Moreover, he is a WR who runs good routes and has great hands. The bottom line is that he’ll do anything…very well.
Dex is the best 22.
He is, in fact, a WR?
Only by title. He’s an APB in practice.
And Deuce is the only Rebel to have a touchdown five different ways: rushing, receiving, passing, PR, and KR. Holla.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the Culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Take a picture, trick.
by The Ghost of Jay Cutler on Nov 17, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Dexter has three games this season
that surpass Deuce’s career high for single game all purpose yards.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Destroying your traditions since [YEAR REDACTED].
by Ivory Tower on Nov 17, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
APB
Even more reason to say that he is the best 22.
It’s not about scoring a TD five different ways; that takes someone playing out of position for a moment or a couple of plays.
Dexter actually plays different positions at a high level. Deuce runs a route, we say “that was good for a back.” Dex runs a route, we don’t say anything because the expectation that he does it well is there. This year, Dex runs the ball (around the end or between the tackles) and we talk about him like a RB.
by Role Player on Nov 17, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody is talking about it
But Dex had some important blocks as well on Saturday when we needed to get third down conversions with a pass.
Yes...
I watched the game on Sunday and Dex was selling out on some blocks.
Here’s a vid that’s a couple of years old, but he was doing this all day Saturday on the few plays he wasn’t running around with the ball: Youtube Link
by OxfordAndrew on Nov 17, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Is there anyone willing to stand up for Dou Innocent?
My memories of him are not solid enough nor my Ole Miss history knowledge deep enough to offer up a defense.
Uhhh...
…I had a class with him once? It was “Leisure and Popular Culture” through the sociology dept. (oh, like football players are the only ones that can take those “Easy A” classes). He got a “B” on a paper and did a backflip outside the auditorium in Bishop…true story.
by Queen Hoka-Hotty-Toddy on Nov 17, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
No.
That honor obviously belongs to Logan Power.
Pig Pen this here's Rubber Duck, and I'm about to put the hammer down.
Deuce gets the nod
Best all-around player. He had speed, power, moves, could catch passes and could even throw the ball when called upon (I think he tossed a TD pass or two to Romero Miller). Most importantly, he did it for four straight years. The guy was a fucking rock, and he was as important to the Rebels’ rise from the ashes of the Brewer era as anyone alive. Plus he had that awesome Deuuuuuuuuuce cheer.
Of course, then he went to the NFL and performed great on the field and even better off it — I know I don’t have to list his credentials here. Suffice to say he’s been a nearly perfect ambassador for our school and our state.
Might be a different story if Dex had been a true 4-year contributor, but I think the sustained level of excellence we saw with Deuce may never be matched.
Don't try and lay no boogie woogie on the king of rock 'n roll.
by RobRob9 on Nov 17, 2009 2:48 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
No real argument here...
Deuce was a stellar athlete, and played much faster/shiftier in college than in the NFL. He bulked up a lot for the league and became more of a power back.
How fun would it have been to see him in a Nutt/wildcat offense?
by OxfordAndrew on Nov 17, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
wow I hate to break the "22 comments" with this post but
Deuce made me love the Rebels. He is the reason why I love Ole Miss. Sure I love McCluster but the impact McAllister made on this football team cannot be denied.
Can we make a rule
That to wear #22 going forward your name has to start with D (and is uncommon)?
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