Manning displays magic touch in fourth quarter

Posted 6:29AM on Tuesday 1st October 2002 ( 22 years ago )

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - When time gets short for Mississippi, Eli Manning is usually at his best. The Rebels' quarterback has displayed a flair for late-game heroics during his 21-game career. Manning led the Rebels to three fourth-quarter comeback victories last season, his first as a starter. He's been at it again this season, throwing two TDs in the fourth against Texas Tech in a rally that fell short and directing Ole Miss to a tie-breaking touchdown with less than 4 minutes to play in a win over Vanderbilt. His passer rating is 144.8 overall, but 169.6 in the fourth quarter. So, what is it about the final period that brings out the best in Manning. ``Really, I have no idea,'' he said. ``I guess as the game goes you just get a feel for the game. I guess as I loosen up more I kind of have a feel for what the defense is doing and feel comfortable back there making decisions.'' Manning's first extensive outing came during the 2000 Music City Bowl, and it turned out to be a glimpse into the future. The redshirt freshman entered the game in the fourth quarter for starter Romaro Miller with the Rebels down 49-16 to West Virginia. With the Mountaineers playing soft coverage, Manning passed for 167 yards and three touchdowns in the final quarter to make the final score a more respectable 49-38. Last season, the fourth quarter was his most productive. He threw for 811 yards and 12 of his 31 touchdowns in the final quarter with a passer rating of 169.6. He threw the game-winning touchdowns in come-from-behind wins over LSU and Alabama that were the highlights of the Rebels' season. He threw three TDs in the fourth quarter as the Rebels rallied to beat Vanderbilt in the season finale. And it was his touchdown pass with less than five minutes left that sent the Arkansas game into overtime. Manning threw five more touchdowns during the seven overtime periods, but Arkansas prevailed 58-56. Coach David Cutcliffe said Manning, his offensive teammates and the coaching staff have been adept at adjusting to defenses during games. But there is something special about No. 10. ``I think there are certain people that just have that magic,'' Cutcliffe said. ``I think Eli, his focus increases, not that it was bad to begin with.'' Manning's calm demeanor also rubs off on his teammates. ``I think the confidence level goes up and he's poised, and I think they have a great deal of confidence in what Eli's going to do,'' Cutcliffe said. Though with No. 6 Florida coming to Oxford Saturday for the first time since 1994, Cutcliffe doesn't want to rely too heavily on Manning's fourth-quarter magic. ``No, I don't want to get behind,'' he said.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/10/189453