Are we watching Houston Nutt and the Mississippi offense evaporate right before our eyes?

Nutt just went for it on fourth-and-long from the USC 39 – and didn’t get it, even after calling timeout.

The play, a pass to the right, had little promise. And it was a badly thrown ball by Jevan Snead, who by the way looks less than ordinary.

The Rebels’ play-calling has been suspect all night. Look, this isn’t about NOT giving credit to the South Carolina defense. It’s looked as good as it did at N.C. State, with Eric Norwood and Cliff Matthews once again making the big plays.

The Gamecock secondary, as young as it is, has grown up a lot tonight and isn’t giving Snead any open room. And the USC defensive line isn’t giving Snead much time.

But there has been no adjustment from Nutt, and no imagination in the play-calling. And Dexter McCluster continues to be a non-factor.