Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze says he’ll hand over some of his play-calling duties

Ole Miss is enjoying back-to-back conference wins after beating Auburn 27-19 in Week 9. Rebels coach Hugh Freeze was happy with his team’s 558 total yards against the Tigers but said in his weekly press conference on Monday that he still believes the offense should have scored more points.

Freeze: Pleased by yardage for offense but did not equate with points. Need more scoring, he says. #OleMiss

— Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 2, 2015

But offense and defense have both been pretty solid for Ole Miss this season. However, one area the Rebels struggled with early in the season was returning punts. Freeze said that since making senior wide receiver Collins Moore the full-time punt returner, the Ole Miss coaches have had more peace of mind.

Freeze: “Collins Moore has really given us some comfort” in punt return game. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 2, 2015

After recapping Week 9 a little bit, Freeze then began to preview the Rebels’ Week 10 matchup with Arkansas.

Freeze is here for his weekly press conference. “Really impressed with Arkansas. They’re playing their best football of the year.”

— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 2, 2015

Freeze: Arkansas QB (Allen) playing at a really high level with receivers and a tight end to go to. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 2, 2015

To shake things up a little on offense, Freeze said he will be handing over some of the play-calling duties to Rebels offensive coordinator Dan Werner.

Freeze has given some play-calling responsibilities to Dan Werner, remains involved and knowledgeable of “packages” in play. #OleMiss

— Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 2, 2015

Freeze, on backing off play-calling duties: “Needed to spend a lot of time with our team. Always been a joint deal. It’s been beneficial.” — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 2, 2015

But Freeze isn’t trying to make any changes that are too drastic because after a tough road win he is “very pleased” with where his team is at entering the final month of the regular season.

Freeze: “I’m very pleased with where we are. Would I’d like to have some games back? Absolutely. But we’re right in the thick of it.”

— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 2, 2015

Ole Miss will get the Razorbacks in Oxford this season, but last year the Rebels got embarrassed in Fayetteville and lost 30-0 to Arkansas, which is clearly serving as motivation to Freeze this week.

Freeze says he’s a competitor and is motivated by getting another shot at Arkansas after #OleMiss lost there 30-0 last year. — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 2, 2015

Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly, and the Rebels offense as a whole, has looked more comfortable the last two weeks ever since left tackle Laremy Tunsil returned from suspension. Freeze likes what he has seen from Tunsil and fellow offensive linemen Ben Still.

Freeze said Laremy Tunsil played 92 snaps at Auburn. “He was great.” Added Ben Still had the best game of his #OleMiss career.

— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 2, 2015

The Rebels haven’t really settled on a workhorse in the backfield this season, but a number of runners contributed last week, including junior running back Akeem Judd. Judd had the only rushing touchdown for Ole Miss against Auburn, and Freeze likes how he is running the ball right now.

Freeze says Akeem Judd is finishing runs, protecting the ball. “He’s been a very nice bonus for us.” #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 2, 2015

Freeze ended by giving a quick update on defensive back Tony Conner, who has been out with a meniscus tear. But the prognosis seems pretty good for Conner to be able to return soon, possibly even this week.

Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze says safety Tony Conner will try to play on Saturday against Arkansas.

— David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) November 2, 2015

Pat Donohue

Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.