Coach Hugh Freeze speaks at Monday’s presser at Monday’s presser about next weeks game against Florida State. “We have a tremendous task. It is a difficult task, but we relish this opportunity,” Freeze said. (Photo by Ariel Cobbert)
When Ole Miss ventures out of its locker room next Monday night at Camping World Stadium in Orlando to take the field against Florida State, opportunity will be on its mind.
It will be a chance for both teams to thrust themselves further into the national spotlight and deeper into contention for a spot in the college football playoffs. It’s something that Head Coach Hugh Freeze has talked about since he arrived in December of 2011. He wanted his program to have the chance to compete at the highest level, and that’s exactly what he’ll get Monday night.
“We have a tremendous task. It is a difficult task, but we relish this opportunity,” Freeze said. “It gives our football team a chance to play on a national stage against one of the top teams in America. That’s the kind of games we want to be in and we have an opportunity to expand our brand at Ole Miss and hopefully go and compete at a high level on that given night.”
It will be a chance for Chad Kelly and Florida State running back Dalvin Cook to not only get their seasons off on the right foot but also solidify themselves as Heisman Trophy contenders.
Cook is good, really good. Freeze compared him to Georgia tailback Nick Chubb, and stopping him will be a challenge for the Ole Miss defense.
Kelly will also have a good challenge on his hands. He sees talent across the board when looking at a balanced and loaded Seminole defense.
Chad Kelly speaks at Monday’s presser at Monday’s presser about next weeks game against Florida State. “I love those big time games, those big time throws that you’ve got to make. (Photo by Ariel Cobbert)
“I think they’re strong at all positions. I know they’re a little younger at that linebacker position. They lost two of their guys, but other than that, those guys on the back end are really good,” Kelly said. “They’re talented. Those guys up front, they’re quick and athletic and move really well so we’ve got to make sure we move the ball and don’t have any negative plays.”
Kelly has the luxury of throwing to a versatile and talented receiving corps, but airing it out won’t be easy against the Florida State secondary led by sophomore defensive Derwin James, who had 91 tackles as a true freshman a year ago and is one of the top defensive backs in the country.
“There’s not many guys like him. He is special talent. I wish there was a lot of them– we would like to have a couple ourselves,” Freeze said of James. “To have that size and speed is pretty special. He is arguably one of the best, if not the best, in the nation. I think everyone would love to go recruit those– there’s just not many of those out there.”
Kelly emphasized wining one-on-one match ups on the perimeter and said he thinks that opportunities will be there with the Seminoles playing man coverage.
“They show a lot of one-high stuff. They show a lot of man coverage. You just never know until you get out there,” Kelly said.
Kelly also beat teams with his feet last year, especially toward the end of the year. He led the Rebels in rushing touchdowns with 10 and thinks that is something that could open up against Florida State if he has success throwing the ball down the field.
“I think the run opens up the pass more than anything,” Kelly said. “So, as long as we keep chucking it down the field and showing teams we have that deep threat in us, I think the running game will open up and I’ll be able to see more lanes and take off and run.”
More than anything, Kelly said he relishes the big moment and is eager to pick up where he left off at the end of last year.
“I love it. That’s why I play the position,” Kelly said. “I love those big time games, those big time throws that you’ve got to make. My dad always says the best players perform at the highest highest level in the best games. I’ve just got to go out there and perform.”
