Four Downs
Featuring The Daily Mississippian Sports Editor Dylan Rubino (@drubino11) and football writer Cody Thomason (@therealcodythomason)
With the recent distractions surrounding sophomore defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche, do you see that affecting him in any negative way, and how do you see him handling it?
Dylan- Both Robert and Denzel Nkemdiche have faced many distractions throughout their tenure at Ole Miss. They’ve handled it very well, and I don’t see it having any affect on Robert Saturday. The alleged picture was taken before the season and when the football program found out about the picture earlier this week, they drug tested him immediately, and he passed. It’s been a breakout season so far for Robert, and I don’t see anything getting in his way as long as he is playing sound football and doing his job.
Cody- I think Robert Nkemdiche will shrug off the distractions. After all, players are always looking for extra motivation against teams, and Tennessee’s fans trying to get him suspended certainly offers that. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nkemdiche is able to channel this situation into a positive for the game. I certainly wouldn’t want to be an offensive lineman or quarterback for Tennessee, as any pent up anger over this situation will probably be released against the Volunteers.
Tennessee is fifth in the nation in third down conversions on defense. How do you see this affecting the Ole Miss offense, and how do you see the Rebels handling tough situations on third down?
Dylan- The Rebels have the offensive personnel to handle third down situations no matter how long the distance is. What the offense does really well is giving their playmakers the opportunities to have the ball in their hands and use their skill and talent to get the first down, whether it’s a running wide receiver and running back screens, runs to the outside or deep passes down the field. This offense is very capable of moving the chains with the skill at every position on offense.
Cody- I think third down conversion is something the Ole Miss offense could stand to improve upon. While the offense has been improving, they still have some work to do, so Tennessee’s third down defense will be an interesting challenge. I think this might slow down the Rebels offense at first, but I expect adjustments to be made and for the offense to be running smoothly on third downs by the end of the game.
The Tennessee offensive line has struggled at times protecting the quarterback. How effective can the defensive line be in getting pressure?
Dylan- The defensive line has improved over the past couple of weeks in getting pressure in the backfield and making tackles behind the line. The front seven as a whole has played as more of a collective unit over the past couple of weeks, and it has really shown. The defensive linemen have put pressure on the quarterback and have opened up holes for the linebackers to make plays in the running game and passing game. Sacks have gone up since the beginning of the season also. I see a big game from the defense in getting pressure in the backfield.
Cody- I think the defensive line could have their best game of the season this week. Tennessee’s offensive line is maybe the worst in the SEC, and the Rebels’ defensive line has been steadily improving throughout the season. The d-line has excellent depth and can rush Tennessee with faster players such as CJ Johnson and Marquis Haynes and also generate interior rush from a multitude of defensive tackles, such as Isaac Gross and Robert Nkemdiche.
At the halfway point of the season, which player has stood out to you the most?
Dylan- Senquez Golson has really stood out to me. Golson’s success has been a pleasant surprise not only to himself but the rest of the coaching staff as well. His five interceptions are good for second in the NCAA and first in the SEC. Golson has made extra strides in the offseason and during the season in improving his work ethic and technique to make himself a better player. That extra preparation has really come full blossom this season.
Cody- A ton of players have really stepped up for the Rebels this season, but the importance of Bo Wallace’s improvements cannot be understated. While he’s had some struggles in games like Memphis and ULL, he’s playing the best football of his career and is coming off two fantastic games against Alabama and Texas A&M. His improved arm strength and accuracy is the driving point behind Ole Miss’s offense, and his passing not only gets the ball into the hands of the Rebels playmakers but also opens up the run game.
