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Ole Miss took care of business in Week 4 against Vanderbilt and now finds itself ranked No. 3 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll.
Rebels coach Hugh Freeze addressed the media in his weekly press conference on Monday and said he was pleased with his team’s win over the Commodores but that they have shifted their focus to preparing for Florida in Gainesville this Saturday.
Freeze, on Florida: “We certainly have great regard for them and respect for them. Very confident team, and really well-coached.” — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) September 28, 2015
Freeze said that the Rebels’ ranking makes them ‘relevant’ but added that there is still plenty to work to do in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a national championship.
Freeze: “We are relevant.. Don’t know if we’re deserving of ranking. We are not perfect.” Wants to find joy in journey. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) September 28, 2015
One of the areas Freeze noted that his team can improve on is covering short routes on defense and not allowing opposing teams to sustain drives by dinking and dunking down the field.
Freeze: Problems with short routes were combination of different defensive positions. “Got to get that corrected.” #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) September 28, 2015
Although the Rebels’ defense has been superb for the most part this season, the soft coverage at times and the lack of a pass rush has received some criticism in Oxford. But Freeze said he doesn’t think the problem with getting after the quarterback has anything to do with the effort his players are giving. He thinks opposing teams are just doing a good job at scheming against what can be a dangerous front seven.
Freeze, on lack of pass rush: “Either we’re getting a lot of max protection, or the ball is coming out really fast.” Said effort is there. — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) September 28, 2015
An update on All-American left tackle Laremy Tunsil’s status as he continues to go through an NCAA eligibility investigation has become a weekly occurrence at Freeze’s press conferences. To this point, Freeze hasn’t had much to say on the subject but this week he at least admitted progress has been made and that he expects to hear more soon.
Freeze said he was told progress was made on Laremy Tunsil last week. He’s hoping he’s back as soon as possible. — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) September 28, 2015
Freeze: “I was told progress made in Laremy (Tunsil) situation last week.” #OleMiss No word on when Tunsil might be back. — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) September 28, 2015
As far as what Tunsil’s playing time will be once he does return, Freeze didn’t seem concerned and expressed confidence that Tunsil could come in right away and be effective.
Freeze said Tunsil is physically ready to play. Hasn’t gotten needed reps. “Been in system enough, athletic enough, that he could function.” — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) September 28, 2015
Circling back to the matchup with Florida, Freeze took a moment to compliment the Gators’ defense and address the challenge they will present for Ole Miss’ offense.
Freeze has praise for Florida defense, says Gators have tremendous “get off” from DL, one of better defenses in the country. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) September 28, 2015
Speaking of the Rebels’ offense, Freeze has been getting creative and using defensive linemen Robert Nkemdiche and D.J. Jones as weapons on that side of the ball all season. In fact, Nkemdiche has scored in three of the Rebels’ four games so far.
Freeze: Usually spend about 5 minutes on Wed, Thurs with R Nkemdiche and DJ Jones for their roles on offense. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) September 28, 2015
But the Ole Miss offense will only go as far as quarterback Chad Kelly will take it. Freeze showed caution in wanting to praise Kelly for what he called an “average game” against Vanderbilt. The bar has clearly been set high for the Rebels’ signal-caller.
Freeze, on Kelly: “Average game. The expectations are so high for him. There’s certain things that surprise me that he may choose to do.” — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) September 28, 2015
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
