What Is 2004 Ole Miss Rebels football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 Ole Miss Rebels football team, coached by David Cutcliffe, finished with a 7-5 record, including a loss in the Independence Bowl to Oklahoma State. The season was marked by quarterback Eli Manning's final year before entering the NFL Draft.

Key Facts

2004 Ole Miss Rebels finished with a 7-5 overall record
Eli Manning was the starting quarterback for his final college season
Team played in the Independence Bowl on December 28, 2004
Lost to Oklahoma State 34-31 in the Independence Bowl
David Cutcliffe was head coach for the final season before being fired

Overview

The 2004 Ole Miss Rebels football season marked the final year under head coach David Cutcliffe, who led the program from 1999 to 2004. The team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, finishing with a 7-5 overall record and a 3-5 conference record.

Despite a strong start and the presence of star quarterback Eli Manning, the Rebels failed to secure a winning SEC record, leading to Cutcliffe's dismissal after the season. The year concluded with a trip to the Independence Bowl, a moment that highlighted both the team's potential and its inconsistencies.

Record: The Rebels finished the regular season with a 7-5 overall record and a 3-5 mark in the SEC, placing them in the middle of the Western Division standings.
Head Coach:David Cutcliffe coached his final season in 2004, finishing with a 44-29 record over six seasons before being dismissed despite two winning campaigns in his last three years.
Quarterback:Eli Manning, the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, started all 12 games, throwing for 2,633 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
Bowl Game: Ole Miss played in the Independence Bowl on December 28, 2004, losing 34-31 to Oklahoma State in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 22.8 points per game and 343.2 total yards per game, relying heavily on Manning’s arm and a developing but inconsistent rushing attack.

How It Works

The 2004 Ole Miss Rebels football season operated within the structure of NCAA Division I-A (now FBS) and the competitive environment of the SEC, one of the nation’s premier conferences. The team’s performance was shaped by coaching decisions, player development, and scheduling challenges.

Season Structure: The Rebels played a 12-game regular season schedule, including eight SEC matchups, which determined bowl eligibility and conference standings.
Coaching Strategy:David Cutcliffe emphasized a pro-style offense centered around quarterback Eli Manning, aiming to prepare him for the NFL Draft.
Player Development: Several underclassmen saw increased roles, including running back Deuce McAllister, who rushed for 874 yards and 8 touchdowns before his NFL departure after 2000.
Bowl Eligibility: Teams must win at least 6 games to qualify for a bowl; Ole Miss reached this threshold with a Week 12 win over Mississippi State.
Recruiting Pipeline: Ole Miss continued to draw talent from Mississippi and the Gulf South, though national recruiting rankings placed them outside the top 25 that year.
Stadium: Home games were played at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, MS, with a capacity of approximately 55,000 fans.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2004 Ole Miss season can be better understood when compared to recent seasons and conference peers in terms of records, coaching outcomes, and bowl results.

Season	Record (Overall/SEC)	Head Coach	Bowl Game	Result
2002	7-5 / 3-5	David Cutcliffe	Music City Bowl	Lost to Minnesota 29-24
2003	5-7 / 2-6	David Cutcliffe	No bowl	Missed bowl eligibility
2004	7-5 / 3-5	David Cutcliffe	Independence Bowl	Lost to Oklahoma State 34-31
2005	3-8 / 1-7	Ed Orgeron (first season)	No bowl	Team declined further
2008	9-4 / 4-4	Houston Nutt	Sugar Bowl	Lost to Texas Tech 47-34

This comparison shows that while 2004 was a modest improvement over 2003, the lack of SEC success and a losing bowl game contributed to leadership changes. The departure of Cutcliffe marked a turning point, leading to a rebuilding phase under new management.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season holds significance in Ole Miss football history due to its transitional nature, the end of an era with both Cutcliffe and Manning, and the program’s struggle to achieve consistent success in the SEC.

End of an Era:Eli Manning’s final season closed a chapter for the Manning football legacy at Ole Miss, following his brother Peyton’s earlier career.
Coaching Change: Cutcliffe’s firing after 2004 led to the hiring of Ed Orgeron, beginning a period of instability before future improvements.
Recruiting Impact: The visibility from Manning’s NFL Draft stock helped boost recruiting interest, though immediate returns were limited.
Bowl History: The Independence Bowl appearance was the Rebels’ first since 2002, highlighting a return to postseason play after a one-year absence.
Program Trajectory: The 2004 season underscored the challenges of competing in the SEC West, one of the nation’s toughest divisions.
Legacy: Despite the losing record, the season is remembered for Manning’s leadership and as a stepping stone toward future competitiveness under new leadership.

Ultimately, the 2004 Ole Miss Rebels season serves as a case study in college football transitions—balancing star power with team performance and navigating the high expectations of SEC football.