Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche deflects a pass by Boise State quarterback Grant Hedrick earlier this season. DM Photo | Thomas Graning
As a former number one recruit in the country, sophomore defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche came to Ole Miss to play in games like this.
As third ranked Alabama comes to Oxford on Saturday, Nkemdiche expressed his excitement for the moment.
“It’s just fun to be in this kind of environment,” Nkemdiche said. “To be on this pedestal and to have this chance to play in such a big game is fun. We have to come out there and approach it like any other game. Treat it like we do in practice and treat it like we played Memphis. Everybody has to do their job and do their assignment.”
The game against Memphis last Saturday was a defensive display for the ages. Nkemdiche and the Landshark defense held the Memphis offense to 104 total yards, forcing the Tigers to 3 for 16 on third down conversions. A defensive display like last Saturday can create a lot of momentum going into arguably the biggest game of the season. If the defense continues to play like they did against Memphis, Nkemdiche thinks the possibilities are endless.
“It’s something we discuss every day as a defense,” Nkemdiche said. “Coach (Dave) Wommack mentioned that our performance against Memphis is something we are capable of. We have the talent and the right players on this team on defense to have success like that.”
The anticipation for the Alabama game has been building ever since the season started. The momentum really started to pick up the week of the Memphis game. Nkemdiche knew the hype would come, but he and his team had the right preparation to stay focused on the task at hand.
“We’ve been very patient,” Nkemdiche said. “We’ve been really focused this week in practice and doing it every day. We had to stay focused. If we come out and execute the right way, we’ll be there.”
Alabama has one of the most balanced and potent offenses in the country. The Crimson Tide can beat you through the air and on the ground. Nkemdiche has high praise for the offense and looks forward to the challenge.
“I have to give it to Blake Sims and Amari Cooper. Right now, when I watch them, they’ve been doing really well together and have had great chemistry,” Nkemdiche said. “Amari Cooper has been having a great year, and, of course, Sims has been good. We just have to do our jobs and take it from there.”
The matchup last season did not turn out well for the Rebels. Ole Miss went into Tuscaloosa with an undefeated record on the line against the number one team in the country and came out with a 25-0 loss. The defense held Alabama to only nine points in the first half but lapsed in the second half and surrendered 16 points.
Nkemdiche reflected on the game last season and said this time will be different.
“Last year, we had so many busts and mistakes. It was my first year playing, and I was still getting used to things,” Nkemdiche said. “They’re (Alabama) facing a whole different Ole Miss team. We have the confidence and a whole different mindset of who we are. They’re facing a team with a chip on their shoulder and playing sound football.”
Nkemdiche mentioned that this season is different from last season because people expect this year’s team to be great and because he and his 2013 recruiting class envisioned this moment for a long time, and it is finally coming true.
With ESPN’s College GameDay coming to Oxford for the first time ever, the atmosphere of the game will be unlike any other. Plus Alabama fans will travel well to watch the Tide.
Nkemdiche is embracing the hyped environment.
“It’s going to be wild, man,” Nkemdiche said with enthusiasm. “Ole Miss has a great fan base. It’s one of the reasons why I came here. Rebel Nation is going to be rocking. We’re going to be locked in and ready to go. I just can’t wait.”
