Mississippi offensive lineman Justin Bell (68) walks into the locker room before an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. Ole Miss won 23-17. DM Photo | Cady Herring
With a big game coming against Arkansas this Saturday, junior offensive lineman Justin Bell and sophomore defensive lineman Fadol Brown spoke to the media about how the week of preparation was going and how they matched up against the opposing offensive and defensive linemen.
“I see a good front, plain and simple,” Bell said of the Arkansas defensive line. “I feel like the trenches is where the game is going to be won and lost at.”
What Arkansas is known for is a physical offensive line that sets up a powerful running game. The ground game for Arkansas has proven all season to be one of the best in the country. Brown discussed the offensive line and the impressive rushing attack that the offensive line sets up.
“They like to play to the whistle, and we respect that,” Brown said.
Brown also said that despite the Arkansas offensive line being much bigger than the Ole Miss defensive line, he expects the athleticism they have to make up for it. Brown continued about the rushing attack.
“I think it’s the best run game we’ve seen all year long. We have to be physical up front and dominate the line of scrimmage,” Brown said. “If we don’t do that, then we don’t have a chance.”
Brown talked about the Razorbacks’ star running backs sophomore Alex Collins and junior Jonathan Williams as well.
“They’re two very good backs and some of the best backs we’ve seen all year,” Brown said.
Collins has rushed for 886 yards for the season, adding 11 touchdowns. Williams has rushed for 932 yards on the season also with 11 touchdowns. The two-headed monster that Arkansas throws at opposing defenses at running back is the main aspect that teams game plan for.
With how well this Razorbacks rushing attack allows the team to manage the clock, Bell recognized how important it was for the Rebels offense to step up.
“We just have to take advantage of our possessions, and like Coach says, when a break comes our way, we have to score,” Bell said.
Bell talked about what they needed to do to win against the Arkansas defensive line.
“To stop their movement, first and foremost, it’s technique,” Bell said. “It’s hitting a guy right on the mark and taking the proper steps that coach has been teaching us this week.”
In recent weeks, the offensive line has been far from full strength, with starting center Ben Still battling an MCL injury, starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil missing time with a bicep injury and starting guard Aaron Morris dealing with ankle injuries. This week, however, that won’t be the case.
“We’re very healthy. Everybody is back,” Bell said. “You’ll see our starting five back come Arkansas.”
The weather could also be a factor with rain expected in Fayetteville on Saturday.
“It’s just an element of the game,” Bell said. “I feel like we’re ready for it, and we’re just going to have to protect the ball and make plays happen.”
Bell and Brown also talked about the team’s playoff hopes still being alive after a few other SEC West teams lost on Saturday.
“The cards fell in our favor this past weekend. Now, we just need two weeks to control our own destiny and a few more cards to fall in our favor,” Bell said. “We’ll see where it puts us.”
“It’s panning out pretty good right now,” Brown said. “We have to come out on Saturday and then again on Thanksgiving and see what happens.”
