Mississippi quarterback Bo Wallace (14) releases a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. No. 3 Mississippi won 35-20. (Photo/Thomas Graning)
One of the most widely discussed topics in Ole Miss football is the perception of Bo Wallace. Wallace might just be the most criticized quarterback in the history of Ole Miss football, despite the large amount of success he has had this past year.
Wallace has been widely criticized throughout his career for his inconsistent play through his first two years and the early part of this year. He has been knocked for his decision making, presence in the pocket and ball security.
The lowest point in his career came after his performance in the 2013 Egg Bowl, where Wallace struggled mightily in the game, going 26-40 for 182 yards and forcing three crucial interceptions. The disastrous night was capped off with a fumble in the end zone in overtime ending the game and securing a victory for the Bulldogs.
The game seemed to put a largely negative tone on Wallace’s entire season and his career, for that matter. People seemed to forget he threw for almost 3,500 yards and completed just under 65 percent of his passes that year.
The talk the entire off season leading into this year was the consistency of Wallace and if he could get the job done.
A popular question before each game this year was which Bo Wallace will show up — “Good Bo or Bad Bo?”
Will fans see the five-touchdown Bo Wallace of the 2012 Egg Bowl or the inconsistent four-turnover Bo Wallace of the 2013 Egg Bowl?
As the Alabama game approached, many critics said the Rebels could not win due to the inconsistency of Wallace.
How did Wallace respond? He threw for 281 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers in a monumental 23-17 victory.
Ladies and gentlemen, Bo Wallace has arrived.
The Bo Wallace that was on display in College Station Saturday night is a quarterback who has complete and total command of his offensive scheme and looks as comfortable as ever out on the field. Critics wondered if he could show up in big games.
Not only is Wallace showing up, he is showing out. Wallace is making defenses look foolish with his feet as well. He can keep plays alive with his mobility as well as utilizing the read option. The Bo Wallace I have seen at quarterback the last two weeks appears to be here to stay.
Wallace has appeared to hit his stride in this offense. People said at the beginning of the year that this team will go as far as Bo Wallace lets them. The way Wallace is playing right now, the sky is the limit for this football team.
Bo Wallace is 21-11 as the starting quarterback of the Ole Miss Rebels.
He is currently second all-time in total offense as well as rushing yards in school history. He is also a Conerly Award winner.
The last quarterback to put up a similar resume was a man named Eli Manning.
As far as his legacy goes, Wallace is continuing to set his legacy each week this season. Regardless of the way things turn out this year, Bo Wallace will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of Ole Miss football.
