Four Downs
Featuring Sports Editor Dylan Rubino (@drubino11) and Football Writer Cody Thomason (@thecodythomason)
1. Ole Miss has struggled against the run so far this season. Louisiana-Lafayette averages 213 rushing yards per game. How can the Rebels contain ULL’s rushing attack?
Dylan – It all starts up front with the front seven. The defense needs to get consistent pressure in the backfield, and the defensive line needs to stuff the running lanes and force the Ragin’ Cajuns to beat Ole Miss passing the ball, where the defense leads the country in passes defended. Ole Miss has struggled so far against two good running backs in their first two games and now faces a quarterback in senior Terrance Broadway who is a dual threat. Both of ULL’s top running backs have rushed for over 100 yards so far this season, so the Rebel defense will have their hands full.
Cody – The defensive line has to do a better job against the run. The Rebels have plenty of quick defensive linemen that can rush the passer, but they need their larger lineman, such as junior Woody Hamilton, sophomore Robert Nkemdiche, senior Bryon Bennett and sophomore Fadol Brown to step up in run support for the smaller players. In addition, the linebackers have played well so far but can still do a better job of stopping the running back from getting past the second level.
2. Which wide receiver will have the best day for Ole Miss?
Dylan – The current trend has been in the favor of junior Cody Core, and I don’t see it stopping this week. Core, not sophomore Laquon Treadwell, leads the team in receiving 195 receiving yards and three touchdowns so far in the first two games. Teams are so honed in on stopping Treadwell that it opens up others for catches, and Core has made the most of it. Core has the size, speed and athletic ability to make big plays in the passing game, and that will continue for the rest of the season.
Cody – I think we could see a big day from sophomore Quincy Adeboyejo. Adeboyejo is a guy that will see time with the starters and, should the game get lopsided, would still see time with the reserves. He’s a big target in the slot and should get some favorable match-ups during this week’s game. He’s been good so far this season, so I think he’ll continue to post better numbers as the coaches’ confidence in him grows.
3. What area would you like to see improve this week?
Dylan – I would like to see more success in the running game. It has been running back by committee so far for the offense. You saw flashes of success in the run game last week against Vanderbilt. Juniors Jaylen Walton and I’Tavius Mathers started off as the leaders on the depth chart, but guys like freshman Jordan Wilkins, sophomore Mark Dodson and freshman Eugene Brazley have made big runs as well. More consistent yards at running back is key for the Rebels success and hopefully we will see that Saturday.
Cody – The offensive line play. There’s definitely talent in the group playing, but they’ve had plenty of struggles with false starts and missed assignments. If the offensive line can improve, then all other facets of the offense will improve as well. The running game would certainly improve if the line blocked better in front of them, and more time for Bo Wallace would certainly not hurt.
4. With Alabama coming to Oxford just three weeks from Saturday, how will the team stay motivated and not look ahead three weeks from now?
Dylan – It’s hard not to look ahead at Alabama. Hugh Freeze needs to make it clear to his team that if you look ahead to an opponent early, you will stumble along in the process. When Alabama comes to town, it will arguably be the biggest game of the season, yes, but the excitement and jitters can wait. You have to take it one week at a time and focus on who’s on your schedule and not look ahead. It may be hard, but it must be done.
Cody – When Ole Miss plays Alabama in their fifth game of the season, there’s a good chance both teams could be undefeated and with that comes the possibility of College GameDay making its first trip to Oxford. This would surely be one of the biggest moments of the season, but that can’t happen if Ole Miss doesn’t take care of business against Louisiana-Lafayette and Memphis. Looking too far ahead on your schedule can make a team very susceptible to an upset loss; you have to keep the team prepared for each opponent and ensure they are as prepared as they can be.
