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OXFORD, Miss. - Cordera Eason finally got his chance, and took full advantage.

The little-used reserve running back rushed for touchdowns of 44 and 46 yards and the Blue team beat the Red 40-14 Saturday in Mississippi’s Grove Bowl scrimmage.

Houston Nutt’s debut as coach drew a record 28,311 fans, 5,000 more than attended last season’s home game against Northwestern State.

Jevan Snead threw for 269 yards, completing 20 of 26 passes with two late touchdowns and an interception for the Blue team in his debut with the Rebels after sitting out a year because of NCAA transfer rules.

Dexter McCluster was Snead’s favorite target, catching eight passes for 106 yards. He also rushed for 35 yards and a 21-yard touchdown on five carries.

Snead connected on a 40-yard pass with Mike Wallace, who finished with five catches for 90 yards. The Texas transfer’s touchdown passes went to Markeith Summers and Lionel Breaux.

While Snead’s starting position has been secure since the day he signed with Ole Miss, Eason’s future is not so clear.

The highly sought recruit out of Meridian sat on the bench behind 1,000-yard rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis for two seasons. He’d hoped to take over the starting job under Nutt, but the new coach signed Enrique Davis, one of the nation’s top prep school running backs.

Eason had spring practice to himself before Davis enrolls this summer to prove he deserves the top job.

He rushed for 101 yards and averaged 14 yards per carry.

© 2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.