The gap between losing and a possible Ole Miss upset against No. 1 LSU grew even wider Tuesday when Rebels' coach Houston Nutt announced the suspension of three players including his two total offense leaders.

Starting quarterback Randall Mackey, starting running back Jeff Scott, and wide receiver Korvic Neat will not play against the Tigers Saturday night, because they broke team rules, Nutt said.

He did not elaborate, and the trio's status for the season finale against Mississippi State is unclear. "It looks like two (games) right now," Nutt said.

All three are underclassmen, Mackey a junior, Scott and Neat sophomores. Mackey and Scott are ranked 1-2 on the team in total offense.

"They've got to learn how to handle change, and it's tough for a lot of them," Nutt said. "You try to teach them the best you can that life can be hard, and the lessons are tough."

It's the second suspension this season for Mackey, who was arrested on Aug. 23 and charged with disorderly conduct. He was held out of the season opener against BYU when he would have been the starter. Instead, he didn't earn the job until Week 5 at Fresno State, the most recent victory for the Rebels, who have lost five straight.

Two weeks ago Mackey talked about the importance of becoming the leader of the offense at the urging of coordinator David Lee, his position coach.

"Coach Lee wants a leader from the quarterback position, and that's what I'm trying to do," Mackey said.

Nutt said backup QB Zack Stoudt - who relieved a struggling Mackey in last week's 27-7 loss to Louisiana Tech only to have his first pass intercepted and returned for a touchdown - will start against LSU and that Barry Brunetti, who played the first half against very little since, will also see action.

Scott's absence means more carries for seniors Brandon Bolden and Enrique Davis. Nutt said former South Panola star Nick Parker, a redshirt freshman who has no rush attempts this season, will also play.

parrish.alford@journalinc.com