[Tuck4Bama]

OXFORD — Ole Miss picked up its first win of the season, holding off a late charge to beat Memphis 23-21 at the Liberty Bowl last Saturday.

But one player who wasn't on the sideline, embattled defensive tackle Jerrell Powe, is hoping to earn an important victory of his own off the field this week.

While the Rebels prepare for their second game against Missouri, Powe is waiting for decisions on two appeals that could overturn the NCAA's decision to rule him academically ineligible to compete or play. The appeals, which were filed by Ole Miss and received by the NCAA late last week, are being reviewed by two separate committees. The committees - which consist of a wide-range of members and operate independent of the NCAA staff - will likely make a ruling on each appeal this week.

"I think there still is a chance," Powe's attorney, Don Jackson, said late last week. "Our focus is on him playing this year."

Powe, Ole Miss await word on pair of appeals to NCAA