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After a disappointing 38-10 loss to Florida in Week 5, Ole Miss got back on track in Week 6 with its third blowout win over a non-conference opponent this season. Rebels coach Hugh Freeze addressed the media on Monday in his weekly press conference to talk about his team’s 52-3 victory this week over New Mexico State and preview the upcoming matchup with the undefeated Memphis Tigers.
Freeze started by assessing the Rebels’ Week 7 opponent. Freeze said he has been impressed by what he has seen from Memphis this season and pointed to the Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch as a serious threat.
Freeze on Memphis: “It’s a quality, quality football team and they’re playing with a lot of confidence.”
— David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) October 12, 2015
Freeze said Memphis’ Paxton Lynch is one of the better quarterbacks he’s seen on film. — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) October 12, 2015
Memphis’ coach Justin Fuente has his program heading in the right direction, that’s for sure, and Freeze was sure to give him his due credit for the Tigers’ success, especially on offense. Memphis ranks 8th in the country in total offense, averaging 541.2 yards per game.
Freeze: “Justin (Fuente) has always been a good offensive coach. They game plan well and have a good QB. Lot of moving parts.” #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 12, 2015
Freeze also quickly got to the matter of updating Laremy Tunsil’s status as he continues to be under NCAA investigation for potential contact with sports agents. Not much has seemed to change on that front.
Freeze on Tunsil. “All I’ve been told is that we hope to get an answer early this week.” Apparently that’s not yet. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 12, 2015
Not that there’s much to pick at when your team wins 52-3, but Freeze wasn’t pleased with D.K. Buford’s fumble on a punt return against New Mexico State in the second quarter. Freeze said there will be a change made at punt returner and gave a few names of players that will be candidates for the job.
Freeze, on punt return: “The No. 1 goal of your punt return unit is you’ve got to have the football. We’re going to try some other people.” — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) October 12, 2015
Freeze said they’re going to try Tony Bridges and Markell Pack at punt return. — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) October 12, 2015
Freeze also said the Rebels defense needs to improve on getting off the field on third downs, especially when going up against a high-powered offense like Memphis on the road.
Freeze: Need third down success on defense to help get off to a good start on the road. #OleMiss
— Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 12, 2015
As always, Freeze gave an injury update, which included defensive tackle D.J. Jones being in concussion protocol as well as his expectations for some key contributors to return.
Injuries: Jones in concussion protocol, Engram day to day. Bell, String, Walton expected back. Conyers day to day. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 12, 2015
Freeze says he expects Walton, Bell and Stringfellow to be back this Saturday. Engram, Kalio Moore, Conyers day-to-day.
— David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) October 12, 2015
Freeze ended by addressing the Ole Miss and Memphis rivalry that dates all the way back to 1921 and has included 60 meetings between the Tigers and Rebels.
Freeze on Memphis rivalry: “I understand the meaning of that as I’m sure Justin does.” #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 12, 2015
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
