Four Downs Featuring Sports Editor Dylan Rubino (@drubino11) and Football Writer Cody Thomason (@thecodythomason)
1. Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch has had a lot of success through the air so far this season. How do you see the Ole Miss secondary faring?
Dylan- The secondary has proved to be week-by-week as not only one of the best in the Southeastern Conference but one of the best in the nation. The passing attack for Tigers averages 255.3 yards through the air, and redshirt sophomore quarterback Paxton Lynch threw for over 300 yards in a loss to UCLA where they were one touchdown away from pulling off the upset. Lynch has thrown five touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season. The experienced secondary will have their hands full but are capable of shutting down any passing attack they are facing. The ball-hawking secondary will be out in full force.
Cody- The Ole Miss defense is currently leading the nation in interceptions with eight in just three games. While I think Paxton Lynch presents a big challenge for the secondary, I expect them to play well against Lynch and add to that total. Lynch is definitely talented, but he is only a sophomore and is facing an experienced Ole Miss secondary. With senior safety Cody Prewitt and senior cornerback Senquez Golson both having excellent seasons so far, it should be pretty difficult for Lynch to pass well on Saturday.
2. Do you expect any rust from the Rebels because of the bye week?
Dylan- I expect a slow start for the Rebels coming off an open week. That just comes naturally. Memphis is not a team you want to start off slow against. With the explosive offense that they have, a slow start can put the Rebels in a big hole early. I expect the Rebels to start slow for one half, then turn on the jets in the second half and win this game handily. Fans may blame the slow start on the team looking ahead to Alabama, but that’s not the case at all. Expect some rust.
Cody- I won’t be surprised at all if the Rebels start off the game a little slow, especially since the bye week sort of interrupted a hot streak for them. But, even if they do show a little rust, I expect them to be firing on all cylinders after a while. Ole Miss can start off slow and still end up with a large victory by the end of the game.
3. The Memphis defensive line has shown tenacity with getting to the passer. Will the Ole Miss offensive line be able to contain them?
Dylan- Even though the offensive line has made strides in the first quarter of the season, the Memphis defensive line can cause problems. A lot of different schemes will be thrown from the defensive line to confuse the offense and try to make plays in the backfield. There has to be better communication from the men up front in order to keep senior quarterback Bo Wallace on his feet and not on his back. With the many athletes that the Memphis defensive line has, expect some struggles early from Ole Miss on the offensive line.
Cody- I think the Ole Miss offensive line could struggle against Memphis. They have some athletic pass rushers, and their defensive scheme does a good job of hiding their assignments. Look for the Tigers to be creative and try to use some stunts to confuse the offensive line, a method which I think could result in Bo Wallace taking a few sacks.
4. Ole Miss has made strides in the run game. Will this trend continue this week?
Dylan- Getting guys healthy at the running back position. Junior I’Tavius Mathers and redshirt freshman Jordan Wilkins have battled injuries throughout the bye week and look to be fully healthy come game time tomorrow. Fixing the running game seemed to be the main focus on offense over the bye week. The Rebels need better production from the offensive line and also improvements from the handful of running backs that the team likes to use. I see an improved run game come Saturday and look for a breakout game from the rushing attack Saturday for the Rebels.
Cody- I think the bye week will be very helpful to the run game, and the trend will continue. The offensive line has struggled with run blocking but is improving. An extra week of practice should help them become more cohesive as a unit, and couple that with all of the running backs looking like they’ll be healthy for Saturday’s game, it should be a good day on the ground for the Rebels.
