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Freeze: Nkemdiche progressing, still unclear whether he’ll play in Egg Bowl
By Pat Donohue
Published:
After an impressive 38-17 drubbing of LSU, Ole Miss is feeling good about itself entering its Egg Bowl regular-season finale against Mississippi State.
Although Rebels coach Hugh Freeze was mostly happy with his team’s performance against the Tigers, he shared some concerns he still has in his weekly press conference.
Freeze: Happy with plan and execution for LSU but feels #OleMiss left points on the table. Wants to get that corrected.
— Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 23, 2015
Freeze: Gave up some rushing lanes to QB and have to “do better against the quarterback we’re facing this week.” #OleMiss
— Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 23, 2015
That quarterback that Freeze alluded to is the Bulldogs Dak Prescott, who is coming off a 7-touchdown performance (5 passing, 2 rushing) against Arkansas last week and is considered to be one of the best signal-callers in SEC history. Freeze even admitted that Prescott is one of the best the conference has ever seen.
Freeze: “They have one of the most tremendous leaders that we’ve seen in this conference in Dak.” #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 23, 2015
But Freeze also had some praise for a few players of his own — Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Freeze, on Kelly: “He really prepares harder than any I’ve ever coached. That’s an advantage for him also.”
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 23, 2015
Freeze said Laquon Treadwell is the best wide receiver he’s ever coached. “He’s probably the most complete.” Said Donte Moncrief was close. — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 23, 2015
Freeze continued by saying his offense has not been an issue for Ole Miss this season. But the struggles the defense has had at times is mostly the result of injuries and he can see that side of the ball starting to come together as well for the Rebels.
Freeze said the offense is playing its best football of the season. Defense has been up and down, chiefly due to injuries. Playing better.
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 23, 2015
Regardless of how well Ole Miss is playing right now, Freeze knows the Rebels will have a tall task by going into Starkville against their in-state rival.
Freeze: “It’s an environment that is difficult to play in that we’ve got to prepare for and handle.” #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 23, 2015
The upcoming game against Mississippi State could mean even more for the Rebels if Alabama loses to Auburn in the Iron Bowl earlier in the day. If the Crimson Tide lose and the Rebels win, Ole Miss will find itself as SEC West champions. But regardless of what happens with the Iron Bowl, Freeze said his team will be locked in for the Egg Bowl.
Freeze: “There will be enough riding on the Egg Bowl regardless of the outcome of (the Iron Bowl).” Said that’s where the team’s focus is.
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 23, 2015
Freeze: #OleMiss will have emotion and will be “ready to go” in the Egg Bowl. — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 23, 2015
Freeze then gave a report on some injured Rebels and their status as of now for Saturday. He added that Cam Ordway will be suspended for the first half of the Egg Bowl for being ejected from the LSU game for allegedly throwing a punch during a midfield scuffle. Ole Miss will not appeal the suspension according to Freeze.
Freeze said Fadol Brown is doubtful for the Egg Bowl with a stress fracture. C.J. Hampton is day-to-day. Has a stinger.
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 23, 2015
Freeze said Cam Ordway will have to sit out the first half of the Egg Bowl for his ejection against LSU. — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 23, 2015
Freeze said there will be no appeal to SEC regarding Ordway’s suspension. — Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) November 23, 2015
Freeze also provided an update on middle linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche, who was hospitalized last week with an undisclosed condition.
Freeze said Denzel Nkemdiche is still under medical supervision, but he’s progressing. Undetermined whether he’ll play. Up to the doctors.
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 23, 2015
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
