The University of Mississippi Athletics
Notes from Freeze's Press Conference
9/12/2016 | Athletics, Blog
Freeze said the team relishes the opportunity to play the No. 1 team in the country .
Alabama seems better and faster defensivelyรย than they've been. They're an explosive offense with the vertical passing team to go with the power run game. They're a typical Alabama team.รย
Alabama's depth is better than most teams. Playing them early in the season is an advantage for Ole Miss because normally Ole Miss is still healthy. Unfortunately, the Rebels have already lost 3 for the season.
Confidence is a big part of stepping on the field with Alabama. Ole Miss will be confident when they step on the field Saturday. It's still a tall task though.รย
You need some breaks when you play great teams. Ole Miss has had breaks go both ways. He mentioned the Kelly pass off a helmet last year as one that went for them and the onside kick Alabama recovered that went against them.
Alabama is built to stop the run, and Ole Miss has had troubles running the ball. Ole Miss still needs some dirty yards and run the ball enough to stay balanced.รย
In 2012, Ole Miss matched Alabama physically compete with the Tide. The team drew confidence from that game and have built on it from there even though the scoreboard didn't show it initially.รย
It's difficult to overcome the gap with Alabama because they are always stockpiling talent in recruiting. Ole Miss has closed the gap, but it's tough to completely close the gap. You have to stay healthy and go into the game with a good plan to have a chance.
They didn't get to work much on the secondary issues from Florida State last week because they had to get ready for the wishbone offense of Wofford.
Tony Conner was rusty in week one, but seemed like more himself last week. He didn't play that much against Wofford, but this week will be a good measuring stick in regards to where he's at physically.
Judd, Brazley, Pennamon, and Buford will all be needed at the RB position as the season progresses.รย
Alabama's Jalen Hurt is similar to FSU's Deondre Francois. They have big arms and are athletic to hurt you with their legs.รย
