Oxford homecomings

When Tubberville left in 1998:
Assistant VC Ed Meek familiarly cried "He (Tubberville) assured me that he was not having discussions with Auburn. He left the next day."

AD John Shafer said Ole Miss needed its next coach to be "a man of integrity" who was "committed to Ole Miss."

Shafer also said "Auburn did contact me and I asked them not to talk to Tommy until after the season was over."

Chancellor Robert Khayat ironically said they wanted someone with "honesty and integrity who would put the interests of players and the school ahead of his personal interests."

Chuck Rounsaville described the fan reaction: "He was such a hero, and when he left it was like one of our all time greats slapped us in the face."

When Tubberville returned in 2000:
A then record 52,368 packed VHS to watch the #18 Rebels take on unranked Auburn.

Deuce McCallister was an early season Heisman candidate.

ESPN noted that fans were buying absolutely hilarious insult shirts reading: "Liar, Liar" and "Will Rogers Never Met Tommy Tubberville."

Deuce McAllister acknowledged "Our emotions may have had something to do with our play early on."

Auburn won 35-27.