The University of Mississippi Athletics
Notes from Freeze's Press Conference
9/19/2016 | Football, Blog
Freeze saw a lot of great things on the film but is disappointed to let another lead slip away. There are mistakes being made on the defensive side, especially with 3rd down and explosive plays. They have to fix turnovers on offense. You can't give great teams like Alabama 14 points and turn the ball over.However, they played a lot of young kids that competed and played their hearts out. Putting up 500 yards on an Alabama defense is special, but have to fix turnovers.
Teams needs a boost from the crowd on Saturday as they have another tough game on Saturday against Georgia. Freeze wants Rebel Nation to get their sleep on Friday and be with the team on Saturday.Â
Kirby Smart has done a great job, and this will be another great task for them. They have to figure out how to finish games. They knew September was going to be tough. They're playing with a ton of energy and confidence. They have great players. That program believes they're supposed to win. Last week gave Jacob Eason a lot of confidence, and he's coming into his own. He's got a big arm and all the tools. Ole Miss has to keep eye discipline and stay in its fits to slow down Georgia's talented running backs.
The team doesn't like to set goals besides competing on the current day. Becoming relevant creates expectations that create winning celebrations and disappointing losses. This month, they've had the disappointed losses. Freeze is glad the team is relevant and in the fight. They have a chance to beat some of the nation's best. They have to grow up and finish games, but he's proud of where the program is. Week-to-week, they prepare to win.
When you play great teams, they can come back and beat you. Ole Miss gave both of those teams opportunities by making mistakes that led to them making plays. Alabama and Florida State have some of the best players in the nation and no lead is really safe.
Engram making the decision to come back was the right thing to do. He's boosted his stock by coming back. Engram is a tough matchup, and he's worked hard to get to where he's at.
Victor Evans should be back. Fadol Brown is doubtful and a long-term issue. Brazley is okay and didn't have a concussion.
The time of possession wasn't a big problem on Saturday. When the team slows down, they're not nearly as efficient. When they go fast, they're more efficient but score quickly. When conventional wisdom is to slow down on offense, they haven't been very good like before halftime on Saturday.Â
Coaching, technique, and assignments have to improve to improve 3rd down defense. Scrambling QBs have hurt them, but they have to get off the field. They should get better with every rep.
