Last year’s game against Auburn was essentially a de-facto college football playoff elimination game.
As a sophomore, Laquon Treadwell was mere inches from scoring a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter when he was thrust down by his hips, resulting in a gruesome season-ending leg injury and a 35-31 Auburn victory and putting a damper on the Rebels’ season.
After the emotional loss and the months of rehab he went through to get back on the field, Treadwell said this game carries an extra meaning for him.
Laquon Treadwell makes a catch at a game earlier this season. (DM Photo | Ariel Cobbert)
“They’re going to feel my pain,” Treadwell said. “I’m just gonna play my hardest, play with my heart as I did last week. My team will do the same and we’re looking to get a W.”
Treadwell said tries to only focus on the upcoming game, but as soon as he realized Auburn was the next opponent, it became more intense.
“It brings a fire in me, honestly,” Treadwell said of the upcoming game. “Sunday, coach Freeze was talking in the meeting, and he wasn’t even talking about Auburn but it was in the back of my head. I’ll have an extra edge to me. It sparked a fire in me. I don’t know where it’s come from, but I’m ready to play. It just created a drive in me.”
Head coach Hugh Freeze hasn’t noticed the different fire that Treadwell preached he would play with during the week. Freeze said he just believes there’s more to play for.
“I haven’t really talked to him about it, specifically,” Freeze said Monday. “I think he has had enough games under his belt now where I don’t know if that would really matter to him.”
At the beginning of the season, Treadwell seemed to have a bit of rust to knock off, and uncharacteristically dropped some catchable passes. The problem seems to be behind him now.
“I’m feeling much (more) comfortable. I’m allowing the game to come to me,” Treadwell said. “I’m getting a natural feel for the game and my instincts are turning back on, just being able to make plays really brought all that back.”
Treadwell said he is excited for the game, but still recognizes the challenges the Auburn defense will present.
“They can run. They can hit. All 11 guys fly to the ball,” Treadwell said. “They like to press, but they play off a lot. They mix it up a lot. It’s going to be a great game. They’re a very competitive team.”
Last season, Ole Miss needed to win to have a chance at playing in the SEC title game and came up short. This season, Ole Miss faces the same challenge.
“I think it’s the same situation. Our title hopes can get dashed if we lose this game, and I know that it’s not just me that’s going to be putting all my effort into the game. I know the whole team will,” Treadwell said. “If they beat us, they’ll have to beat us fighting, and I don’t think that’s possible if we all go out there and we play together like we did this past weekend.”
