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After a “disappointing” loss on Saturday to No. 25-ranked Florida, Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze opened his time with the media on Monday by saying that he is looking to learn and move forward from the defeat.
Hugh Freeze: “Obviously a disappointing night down in Florida. We certainly did not play our best. It’s a great lesson for us.”
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) October 5, 2015
Freeze added that he knows that if he and his team are going to take credit for big wins, they have to be ready to take the heat that comes with losses like they endured in Week 5.
Hugh Freeze: “We owned it when we went to Alabama and won. We have to own this one.” — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) October 5, 2015
Most of the Rebels’ struggles against the Gators, at least on offense, revolved around poor blocking by the Ole Miss offensive line, which Freeze said looked great against Alabama but was equally as bad against Florida.
Freeze said the OL “did OK” at Alabama. Florida DL gave #OleMiss a different challenge “which was very difficult.” Struggled with quickness.
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) October 5, 2015
As far as what Florida’s defensive line was able to do that challenged Ole Miss, specifically, Freeze said a quick first step from the Gators was a difference-maker.
Freeze: Quick twitch and get-off of Florida’s DL were the primary issues for #OleMiss on the offensive line. — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 5, 2015
Freeze then went as far as to say his team is not elite and that the Rebels have been “exposed.”
Freeze “We’re not elite right now.” He does say the Rebels have the potential but have been exposed a little.
— David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) October 5, 2015
Freeze: “We got exposed in some places in the secondary.” Says he may move some people around. #OleMIss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 5, 2015
But that doesn’t mean that Freeze has given up on his squad. He said he’s confident that Ole Miss can bounce back and be one of college football’s best.
Freeze: “I believe this team will respond, no question. We have the ability to be one of the best teams in the country.”
— Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) October 5, 2015
After evaluating the team after the Week 5 loss, Freeze said there might be some changes made to the depth chart, especially as the Rebels continue to try and make up for the loss of defensive back Tony Conner.
Freeze said Ole Miss will move Mike Hilton to Tony Conner’s huskie position for the time being. — Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) October 5, 2015
Speaking of Conner, Freeze gave an update on his injury and said he will begin rehab this week.
Tony Conner will start active rehab on Wednesday. Too early to say when he’ll back.
— Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) October 5, 2015
Freeze also addressed the struggles of defensive back Tee Shepard, who he said is having a hard time hearing checks in loud environments because of hearing loss that he suffers from.
Freeze: Hearing has been an issue for Tee Shepard in loud environments and has been a reason he hasn’t played much on the road. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 5, 2015
Expect some major moves in the Rebels secondary.
Trae Elston would move to rover. C.J. Hampton would start at FS in scenario where Mike Hilton moves to huskie.
— Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) October 5, 2015
Freeze didn’t want to question his own play-calling around the goal line against Florida but did admit that he should probably let his quarterback Chad Kelly take some more shots with his arm when the Rebels are in close scoring range.
Freeze on the red zone: “I wouldn’t have called anything differently. Both should have scored if we execute.” #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 5, 2015
Freeze: “We probably need to give Chad the ability to throw more one-on-one balls down there.” #OleMiss
— Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 5, 2015
Freeze then gave his routine update on Laremy Tunsil’s ongoing NCAA investigation.
Freeze: Hoping to hear a final word on Tunsil this week. He emphasizes hope. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) October 5, 2015
Freeze: “From what I know, which is limited, I would think (Tunsil) would be back with us at some time.”
— Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) October 5, 2015
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
