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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: Taking on the Tigers
10/27/2021 | Football
Reese, Battle and James Meet with Media
OXFORD, Miss. — For the No. 9 ranked Ole Miss football team, there are more challenges ahead than simply facing another top-25 opponent this weekend at Auburn. They are having to continue finding ways to patch up a banged up offense while continuing to block outside noise and unrelenting expectations. Miles Battle, Otis Reese and Jeremy James addressed these topics when meeting with the media Tuesday.
In regards to offense, Battle was the latest Rebel to step up when it mattered most. He may have only had one 18-yard reception last week, but it was a big one as it eventually set up a late first half score that gave his team a lead that held the rest of the way.
"After the Tennessee game, on that Sunday, I came to watch film and met with Kiffin about how we're down on offense, a couple guys in the receiver corps," Battle said. "I'm an athlete, know both sides of the ball and how to play both sides of the ball. It was just another opportunity and I just took it… I kind of learned the plays on the fly. I was able to learn them, so it wasn't much of a surprise going out there."
That being said, given the pattern of injuries lately, Battle has been staying prepared in order to adapt to situations that are out of his control.
"I do most of my corner work after practice, after hours right now," Battle said. "Since I'll be playing receiver this week, I've been focusing on that, but I'll still be working on my technique. I'll still be doing film work on the team we're going to play on defense too."
The offensive line is no exception to the injury bug. Ben Brown announced Tuesday via Instagram that he sustained a season-ending injury, leaving a massive hole at guard. Cedric Melton replaced him last week in his second career start. Caleb Warren made his way back from injury while Jordan Rhodes and Bryce Ramsey saw some significant action throughout multiple reshuffling efforts up front. James saw progress from them as the offense caught fire and scored 31 straight points against LSU.
"They've done a great job. It's huge to have guys step in at any moment and help keep the offense one of the best offenses in the country, keeping it on," James said.
The group will look to keep it on against an Auburn team with not just home field advantage, but a defensive front that presents a multitude of challenges.
"They're really athletic, physical," James said. "They get off the ball quickly, create come pressure, so we have to do our jobs and use our technique."
Defense has played a solid role in their previous two SEC wins, particularly with Jake Springer and Mark Robinson shining at their respective positions. The improved defensive play has allowed the offense to find itself through all the chaos, and it has given Rebel fans even more expectations with the regular season's end slowly approaching.
The Rebels recently entered the top-10 for the first time since 2015, all but locked up a future postseason and still have SEC Championship hopes alive. All three players Tuesday, including Reese, stated that it's all about Auburn right now.
"We don't think about all that. Coaches tell us to not worry about the rankings because the only ranking that matters is final ranking of the season," Reese said.
Saturday's road SEC matchup at Auburn is set for 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN or listened to on the Ole Miss Radio Network.
Get all the latest information on the team by following @olemissfb on Twitter and Instagram and OleMissFootball on Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at OleMissSports on Twitter and Facebook and OleMissAthletics on Instagram. To purchase 2021 Ole Miss football season tickets, visit OleMissTix.com.
