What Is 2009 Ole Miss Rebels football team

Overview

The 2009 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Under head coach Houston Nutt, the team played in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Western Division and achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history in over a decade.

The Rebels finished with a 9-4 overall record and a 4-4 mark in SEC play. Their strong performance earned them a berth in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, where they defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 21-7 to cap the season on a high note.

• Started 6-0 for the first time since 1952, marking the program’s best start in 57 years and generating national attention.
• Defeated then-No. 3 Florida 31-30 in Week 5, a major upset that propelled Ole Miss into the national spotlight.
• Quarterback Jevan Snead passed for 2,185 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading a balanced offensive attack.
• Running back Brandon Bolden contributed 779 rushing yards and six touchdowns, emerging as a key offensive weapon.
• Defensive end Greg Hardy recorded 12.0 sacks during the season, earning second-team All-SEC honors.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2009 campaign was notable for both dramatic victories and a resurgence in national relevance for the Ole Miss program. After years of middling results, the team’s early dominance and Cotton Bowl win signaled a turning point under Nutt’s leadership.

• Week 1: Defeated Memphis 15-0 in a defensive showdown, setting the tone for a disciplined season.
• Week 5: Upset Florida 31-30 in Oxford, ending the Gators’ 22-game winning streak and boosting Ole Miss to No. 3 in the AP Poll.
• Week 8: Lost to LSU 29-7, marking their first defeat after a 6-0 start and a turning point in SEC play.
• Week 12: Beat Mississippi State 45-0 in the Egg Bowl, securing a winning season and a bowl berth.
• January 2, 2010: Won Cotton Bowl 21-7 over Oklahoma State, finishing ranked No. 18 in the final AP Poll.
• Finished 9-4 overall, the most wins for Ole Miss since 1963, when the team also won nine games.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2009 Ole Miss season to recent years highlights its significance in program history:

The 2009 season mirrored 2008’s win total but improved in SEC performance and culminated in a more decisive bowl victory. The win over Florida and strong start elevated the team’s national profile more than the previous year.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Ole Miss Rebels season marked a high point in modern program history and demonstrated the potential for sustained success in the SEC. It revitalized fan interest and briefly placed Ole Miss among the nation’s elite.

• The upset of No. 3 Florida was the first win over the defending national champions by Ole Miss since 1964.
• Reached No. 3 in the AP Poll in October 2009, the team’s highest ranking since 1964.
• Attendance and ticket sales increased significantly, reflecting renewed enthusiasm among the fanbase.
• Recruiting rankings improved, with Ole Miss securing a top-15 class in 2010, partly due to the team’s success.
• Greg Hardy emerged as a star, later becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2010.
• The season set a benchmark for future teams, showing that competitiveness in the SEC West was achievable.

While subsequent seasons did not sustain this level of success, the 2009 campaign remains a memorable chapter in Ole Miss football history, symbolizing a brief return to national prominence.