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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Preseason Report 08.13: Defense Looks Strong
8/13/2010 | Football
Aug. 13, 2010
OXFORD, Miss. - Under overcast skies at the practice fields adjacent to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Friday, the Ole Miss football team moved one step closer to the Jacksonville State season opener and one step closer to Saturday's first intrasquad scrimmage.
After seeing the Rebels in full pads for the second time, head coach Houston Nutt said the defense made progress on Friday, but the offense's consistency level must improve.
"We've got to be consistent. I thought our defense had much better pad level today. Coach (Tyrone) Nix straightened a couple things out and they got to the ball a little better with better angles, better pad level. We've got to be more consistent on offense. We've got to know who to block and take care of the ball."
On an up-and-down day for the offense, the passing game showed some big-play ability.
"Jeremiah Masoli sure made some plays today, when we had to have it. That's encouraging," Nutt said. "Markeith Summers made a big play, then Lionel Breaux, Melvin Harris, (Jesse) Grandy. We've just got to keep going. Ferbia Allen really stepped up for us. We've just got to keep his weight on."
Ole Miss learned earlier in the day that one of its freshman defensive linemen was officially admitted to the University and cleared to practice immediately.
"It was good to see Bryon Bennett out here today," Nutt said of the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder. "We're excited about him."
Bennett was not in full pads and will not scrimmage on Saturday while he acclimates, but he was able to participate in sprint drills.
Saturday's scrimmage will begin at 5:30 p.m. inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. It is open to the public. Nutt said the Rebels will be divided into three groups, which will go through three sets of 10 plays apiece. Quarterbacks Nathan Stanley, Randall Mackey and Masoli will each get at least 10-15 plays with the first unit.
