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Hugh Freeze talks relationship with Nick Saban on SEC coaches teleconference
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Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze has the opportunity to do what no coach has done since Nick Saban took over at Alabama — beat the Crimson Tide three years in a row.
Freeze, however hasn’t given that much thought.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” Freeze said Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference. “I’m just trying to get our guys ready to compete deep into the game. Saban has helped me tremendously during my time in the SEC. We really don’t talk about that stuff outside of the Xs and Os.”
When asked to specify, the fifth-year coach said Saban has given him guidance on how to run a program, how to discipline players and how to develop relationships with athletic director.
Freeze also had high praise for Alabama true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts, who leads No. 1 Alabama into a huge matchup at No. 19 Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
“First two things (are) athleticism — using his legs to create — and his accuracy with the deep ball is impressive. He’s got a great arm. … We’ll probably be rushing (the quarterback) a little differently. That’s all I really want to say about that.”
On playing a physical team like Alabama just two weeks after playing Florida State:
“Yeah, we get to play the No. 1 and No. 2 in the first couple of weeks. We’ve suffered some injuries that hurt. (Alabama is) very good, very well schemed and we will have to play extremely well (on the offensive line) to have a chance. They don’t give up rushing yards, so we will consider a stalemate a win at times this week.”
On the brotherly battle between Ole Miss defensive line coach Chris Kiffin and Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin:
“I seriously doubt they communicate this week. I don’t know, but that’s what I would think. We know what Lane runs, so Chris has a good knowledge of that.”
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
