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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Nutt Speaks With Beat Writers
10/26/2009 | Football
Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt spoke with the media on Sunday and reviewed the Rebels' win over Arkansas and discussed the upcoming SEC encounter at Auburn.
Opening Statement
After watching the film, both the offensive and defensive lines graded out very well. The offensive line had their best game physically and as far as assignments and effort. We had good holes and good protection. The only thing we are disappointed in was that we left too many points on the field. We have to get that corrected, especially inside the five. We stopped ourselves and have to get much better doing some things. Jevan (Snead) threw the ball away when he needed to, got us in the right plays and was very accurate most of the day. He was very efficient on third down. And then there was Dexter (McCluster). Dexter dominated the game with carries, catches, yards after catch and contact. I was proud of him. Our defense continues, as they have all year long, to put pressure on the quarterback. This was the best quarterback that we have faced and you can't give him time because (Arkansas) can move they ball. We are excited about this victory, but you can't worry about this one anymore. We have a very tough opponent coming up.
Q: The struggles inside the five, was it execution or the guys up front not being physical enough?
There were a couple of things. One, the Razorbacks defense is number one in our league in red zone prevention and red zone defense. They are really good. Two, I thought we blocked well out in the field, but we missed a block or two. We got hung up on a naked route when Andy Hartmann got hung up and I think that's a touchdown. I think we can execute better and we can be more physical down there, but I have to give that defense credit. That is what they do best. I know we can do better.
Q: How are you injury wise?
Pretty good. We'll see how Kentrell Lockett is this week. He is the most banged up. I expect him to be ready, but you just don't know. He's got a knee problem and we'll see how much swelling is involved. He won't go today, but hopefully we will get him back Tuesday. I hadn't talked to him yet but I know he got a helmet on the knee or got caught up in a pile. D.T. Shackelford hurt his ankle a bit and it seems like it won't get healed. He's out there about 75 percent and it's the same thing today. He'll probably finish the year out that way. He's a tough guy, but that thing won't ever get well because he keeps getting hit on it.
Q: With Gus Malzahn being at Auburn, do you have any of the same emotional feelings as you did against Arkansas?
I don't look at it that way. We can't approach that game worrying about him. It's the biggest game of the year because it's the next one on our schedule.
Q: Is Rishaw Johnson going to start against Auburn?
We will stick with Brandon Green. Rishaw Johnson will be available, but we have some real chemistry going right now with him, John Jerry and Daverin Geralds, who played his best game. We really trust (Brandon) in there. I think if you watch him play-by-play he's such an effort guy. He and Gerald Harris helped set up the 64-yard screen that Dexter had. They really made it happen (with blocks) and then Dexter ran past some guys.
Q: The team played well but still had three turnovers. How do you prevent those?
The one before the half, we took a shot at the end zone. Jevan (Snead) got some pressure and rushed his throw. If he doesn't get rushed, I think he throws that in the end zone. I don't think it is intercepted. The other one I am concerned about because (Jevan) had a wide open Dexter McCluster. Jevan made good decisions all day long except that one, so in my book he had one turnover. Hopefully we get that down to zero. Cordera Eason fumbled during a good drive and you just can't do that. That really hurts your momentum and scoring especially with the way we were moving the ball at the time. We were at least going to get three, maybe seven. As I said, we just left points on the field. The score should have been worse because we were executing good. We just have to take better care of the ball.
Q: How have the running backs been protecting the football?
We have done a good job with protection. Everyone has been very ball conscious, which you have to be in our league because everyone hits hard and defenders are taught to strip and tomahawk the ball. That is very important. We've done a good job with that and we will continue stressing winning the turnover margin each game. That helps you win the game.
Q: Did you think the defense would be as good as it is?
I felt if we stayed healthy we'd be a very good defense, but maybe not this good. I just have so much confidence in them. They run to the ball. Tyrone (Nix) does a great job of mixing things up and keeping offenses off-balance. I'm just excited about the defense. I just want to finish this thing right. I didn't know we'd be this good because I always worry about injury. We are thin in the secondary and at linebacker. So far, they have held up well, knock on wood. It would be a blow if we don't have Lockett though. He is a 40 or 50 play guy that is so consistent against run or pass. I'm hoping he will be okay.
Q: Can Greg Hardy go that many plays?
He is going to have to.
Q: Do you feel like your team finally has momentum?
Yes. This is what we wanted at the start of the year. What was difficult was 31 guys with the flu and a short week for South Carolina. That kind of burst our bubble and we had to build back up and stay together. I give a lot of credit to the seniors. The seniors have kept this team together. They care about each other and they are unselfish. Now, we had the feeling in that locker room after the game - the togetherness, the celebrated locker room. The momentum that has jumped on this team and that's the way you want it.
Q: Is the team prepared to handle being ranked again?
I don't know. We are not even looking at that. We went through that earlier in the season. We are going to play one game at a time and worry about the bowls and the polls at the end of the season.
Q: What have you seen from Auburn?
I have watched one game so far. It seems like they are may be struggling a little on offense, but we know the type of athletes they have and how good they can be. I know how good they are defensively. They are physical and it's a tough atmosphere we are about to go into. It is always a tough game. We have to get ready to play our best game, no question about it.
Q: Why did Rodney Scott struggle?
I think he probably didn't get his motor going, didn't get warmed up. With a tight game, you hate putting him in a game cold. He is going to be fine. He is running hard and is going to be alright. I think he missed one hole, but he is going to be fine.
