Offense edges defense at Ole Miss spring game as Rebels push to join SEC's elite

Mississippi quarterback Bo Wallace, top, throws over the defense of linebacker Serderius Bryant (14) during an NCAA college football spring scrimmage on Saturday, April 5, 2014, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) (The Associated Press)

Derrick Jones (19) breaks up a pass to Laquon Treadwell during Mississippi's Grove Bowl controlled football scrimmage at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, April 5, 2014. (AP Photo/Oxford Eagle, Bruce Newman) MAGAZINES OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

OXFORD, Miss. – Linebacker Deterrian Shackelford says Mississippi is ready to compete among the Southeastern Conference's best teams next season.

The Rebels are optimistic after wrapping up spring practice on Saturday with the annual Grove Bowl. The offense edged the defense 15-12 in a modified scoring system that awarded points based on specific achievements.

Third-year coach Hugh Freeze said both sides of the ball had good moments. Senior quarterback Bo Wallace completed 10 of 21 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. Junior I'Tavius Mathers rushed for 121 yards on just four carries.

The Rebels finished 8-5 last season, including a victory over Georgia Tech at the Music City Bowl. They're expecting even more success next fall.