The Rebels will kick off against the Crimson Tide this weekend, and two of Alabama’s biggest offensive weapons, Calvin Ridley and Ardarius Stewart, stand ready to test the Rebels’ defensive coverage. After Ken Webster suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening minutes of the Florida State game, defensive back Carlos Davis knew the team needed a leader on defense.
“It kind of did throw us for a loop, but a lot of guys just knew we had to step up,” Davis said.
Davis said he’s confident that Ridley, who was thrown to 53 percent of the time last week against Western Kentucky, and Stewart, who has three touchdowns in two games, won’t be any surprise to the Ole Miss defense.
“They’re deep threat guys. They’re explosive. I mean I just think we’ll be alright… Our cornerbacks, we just have to adjust, and just get back to playing how we play. We can play with anybody. We’ve got the best receivers and we guard them everyday. So once we get comfortable and just do our assignments and work on technique, we’ll be fine,” Davis said.
Davis also announced that he would be back on punt returns this weekend.
On the other end of the field, Co-Offensive Coordinator Dan Werner is aware of how strong Alabama is on the defensive line.
“These guys do not like to let you run the football against them and not many people have done it,” Werner said.
The Ole Miss coaches know they have a system that works well against Alabama’s line and they don’t see any need to change things going into Saturday.
“We got to do the same thing we’ve done for the last few years, and ours are all run pass options, and if they’re going to give us the run, we’re going to hand it off and if not, we’re going to throw it,” Werner said.
Akeem Judd looks behind as he tries to escape the Florida State defense. With Swiney out for the season, Judd’s role has become more significant. (Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
When the Rebels do run the ball this weekend, it’ll likely be in the hand of Akeem Judd. The powerful running back out of Durham, North Carolina, knows going against the Ole Miss defensive line during practice has prepared him for that challenge.
“We have a big front. It really does help you go against Alabama line, because you’re not going to see too many guys like the Alabama line,” Judd said.
Judd said he feels Alabama’s defense can be vulnerable to the versatile Rebel attack.
“The way we run our scheme, I think it’s going to open up a bit,” Judd said. “I think we’re going to do some great things on the ground as well as in the air.”
Through a veil of caution, the Rebs seem optimistic about their chances.
“It’s going to be tough, but we’ll try as hard as we can to concoct a few ways and we’ll see what happens,” Werner said.
