What Is 1928 Ole Miss Rebels football team

Overview

The 1928 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi during the 1928 college football season. Competing in the Southern Conference, the team was led by head coach Homer Hazel, who was in his third season at the helm. The Rebels played a challenging schedule that included regional rivals and several strong Southern programs.

The team showed improvement over previous years, finishing with a winning percentage above .500 despite a modest overall record. Their offensive output was solid for the era, scoring 157 points across 10 games. The season included key victories that boosted morale and laid groundwork for future success in the program’s history.

• Record: The 1928 Ole Miss Rebels finished with a 5–4–1 overall record, marking a slight improvement from their 1927 campaign.
• Coach: Homer Hazel served as head coach, guiding the team through a transitional period in Southern football with limited resources.
• Conference: Ole Miss competed in the Southern Conference (SoCon), a major collegiate league before the formation of the SEC in 1933.
• Scoring: The team scored 157 points in 10 games, averaging 15.7 points per game, a respectable figure for the late 1920s.
• Rivalry Win: A 13–0 victory over Mississippi A&M stood out as a highlight, demonstrating dominance in an in-state rivalry.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 1928 season featured a mix of wins, losses, and one tie, reflecting the team’s competitive but inconsistent nature. Games were played at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, though in its early, undeveloped form. The Rebels faced a mix of regional teams, many of which were also members of the Southern Conference.

• September 29: Opened the season with a 20–0 win over Southwestern Louisiana, showcasing early offensive strength.
• October 6: Lost 14–0 to Mississippi College, a surprising setback against a smaller program.
• October 13: Defeated Centenary 20–7, overcoming a tough opponent known for innovative play-calling.
• October 20: Suffered a 20–7 loss to Tulane, who would go on to have a strong season in 1928.
• October 27: Tied 7–7 with Mississippi State, a hard-fought battle in the regional rivalry series.
• November 3: Beat Mississippi A&M 13–0, a decisive win that boosted team confidence.
• November 10: Lost 14–7 to Kentucky, a solid SoCon opponent with a strong defense.
• November 17: Defeated Vanderbilt 13–7, a significant win over a traditionally strong program.
• November 24: Lost 19–7 to Sewanee, ending the regular season on a down note.
• December 1: Concluded the year with a 7–7 tie against Loyola (LA), finishing 5–4–1.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1928 Ole Miss Rebels compare to previous and subsequent seasons in terms of record, scoring, and conference performance.

The 1928 season stands out as one of the better years during Hazel’s tenure, both in win total and offensive production. While not a championship-caliber season, it demonstrated progress and provided momentum for future development. The Rebels' performance in 1928 laid groundwork for later success after the university joined the Southeastern Conference in 1933.

Why It Matters

The 1928 Ole Miss Rebels season is a notable chapter in the university’s football history, reflecting the evolution of Southern college football in the early 20th century. Though overshadowed by later SEC-era success, this season marked a period of growth and regional competitiveness.

• Program Growth: The 5–4–1 record signaled improvement under Homer Hazel, who helped stabilize the program in the late 1920s.
• Historical Context: This season occurred just five years before the formation of the SEC, showing Ole Miss’s early conference alignment.
• Rivalry Success: The win over Mississippi A&M reinforced the importance of in-state matchups in fan engagement.
• Offensive Output: Scoring 157 points was a significant increase from previous years, indicating better offensive schemes.
• Coaching Legacy: Hazel’s leadership during this era laid the foundation for future coaches and recruiting strategies.
• Historical Record: The season is preserved in Ole Miss archives, contributing to the team’s long-term statistical legacy.

While the 1928 season did not result in a conference title or national recognition, it remains a key reference point in understanding the development of Ole Miss football. It reflects the challenges and triumphs of early collegiate athletics in the South and underscores the Rebels’ enduring presence in college football history.