Rebels return to practice on first day of classes

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - Mississippi returned to the practice fields Monday for the its first workout since a scrimmage on Saturday. <br> <br> Rebels coach David Cutcliffe said he was impressed with the intensity and attention his team showed during the two-hour workout in full pads. <br> <br> ``It was the first day of classes and the players have a lot on their minds with that,&#39;&#39; he said. ``But I thought they came out for the most part and focused pretty well.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The Rebels continued to work on conditioning, but spent the bulk of the practice time working things the coaching staff saw on tape from the scrimmage. <br> <br> ``I thought we got a lot done in our two hours and five minutes in a challenging heat, but we worked through it,&#39;&#39; Cutcliffe said. ``Coming off the scrimmage we had a lot of things we wanted to build on, but we have made a lot of progress. This is a critical week and I thought it was a good start.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The coaching staff will use this week&#39;s work to perfect the offensive and defensive systems, as well as evaluating players. <br> <br> The Rebels will open the season Aug. 31 at home against Louisiana-Monroe.