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Matt Luke expects defense to build off end of last season, continue to improve
By Jake Rill
Published:
Ole Miss’ defense had a strong finish to the 2017 season. The Rebels shut out Texas A&M during the second half of their penultimate game of the season, then forced five turnovers in a win over Mississippi State to end the year.
With defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff back for his second season, coach Matt Luke relayed his belief that the defense will continue to improve this year during the latest SEC Coaches Teleconference.
- I do, from a continuity standpoint. I’m big on continuity.
But Ole Miss will likely need more than just strong defense in order to win its season opener against Texas Tech on Saturday.
Luke praised the Red Raiders’ defense and knows what his offense will be going up against.
- You hope you score a lot of points. Texas Tech’s defense has improved, they led the Big 12 in turnovers and everyone is coming back, so we are very impressed,” Luke said. “[Texas Tech coach] Kliff [Kingsbury] has been good for a long time. … He does a great job of spreading the field and getting the ball to his playmakers, so we will have our hands full here.
Ole Miss opens the season against Texas Tech on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
