Ad Disclosure
Hugh Freeze to media: ‘Our tendency is to bounce back’ after defeats
By Pat Donohue
Published:
Coming off the Rebels’ bye week, Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze met with the media on Monday to discuss his team’s upcoming battle with SEC West rival LSU.
Freeze started by saying it’s important for his players to understand the significance of this game to both the Ole Miss and LSU fan bases.
Freeze, on LSU rivalry: “You want (the players) to understand the history and the importance of games like this.”
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 16, 2015
Freeze used to coach with the Tigers defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, but he downplayed whether or not that familiarity could factor into this Saturday’s game.
Freeze says having coached w/ an upcoming opponent can be “overrated” in terms of preparation. Will face Ed Orgeron’s DL Saturday. #OleMiss — Parrish Alford (@parrishalford) November 16, 2015
The Rebels and Tigers are both coming off of disappointing losses to Arkansas, but Freeze pointed out the fact that he has a good track record in games after defeats.
Freeze: “Our tendency is to bounce back after disappointment. I think we handle it as well as you can.”
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 16, 2015
Freeze was asked about the struggles Ole Miss has been facing on defense. The Rebels were one of the best on that side of the ball last year and started off strong this year, but have been looking porous their last two outings. Freeze gave some insight as to why he thinks the Ole Miss defense is struggling.
Freeze, on defensive struggles: “I wish I knew. It’s a combination. This plan wasn’t great, this call was a good call and wasn’t executed.” — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 16, 2015
Freeze said other times, defensive struggles are a result of match-ups.
— Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) November 16, 2015
Another reason for the defensive woes is because of health. One of the Rebels best defensive backs Tony Conner is battling through an injury and is not 100 percent.
Tony Conner was held out of practice all of last week. He practiced Sunday. Freeze said he’s “about 60 percent” healthy. — Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 16, 2015
In order to compensate for Conner’s injury and other deficiencies in the secondary, Freeze said Mike Hilton will be moved around.
Freeze was asked about personnel changes in the secondary. “We have who we have right now. Mike Hilton is a guy we can move around.”
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 16, 2015
Finally, Freeze gave his scouting report on LSU’s two biggest offensive stars — running back Leonard Fournette and quarterback Brandon Harris. Freeze has been extremely impressed with both of them. He’s even been watching Harris since the Tigers’ passer was in high school.
Freeze on Fournette: “You’re playing one of the best backs probably in the history of the SEC.” — David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) November 16, 2015
Freeze, on Leonard Fournette: “We did OK against him last year, but he’s going to get his. You just hope they’re not explosive.”
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 16, 2015
Freeze, on Brandon Harris: “He’s solid and throws deep ball extremely well. We recruited him hard. I was impressed with him then, still am.”
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) November 16, 2015
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
