Coach Hugh Freeze seems pleased with his Rebels’ performance through two games, and had high praise for his offense in Monday morning’s press conference.
“Finally, we’re who I’d like us to be,” said Freeze of the offense, which ranks first in the nation overall after posting the highest-ever point total in back-to-back games in SEC history.
Much of this success can be attributed to transfer QB Chad Kelly, who was near-perfect in Saturday’s win vs. Fresno State. He finished with an 80% completion rate and accounted for five total touchdowns, leading scoring drives each time he entered the game.
“Chad studies more film than I do,” said Freeze. “I really think he’s trying to rewrite his story in a really good way.”
However, Freeze admits that there is room for improvement, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, before next week’s showdown with Alabama. He cited the need to “eliminate explosive plays because we’re not lined up properly” as his main concern going into practice this week.
Regarding Alabama’s offense, Freeze said that the OL was “as good as I’ve seen,” and that he “can’t really tell” how his team will match up against a conference opponent – one widely expected to win the SEC championship by season’s end, no less.
“I think we have a confident football team right now that believes [it] can win. I also know that you can lose these games, because you’re playing a good team.”
“[That’s] why you want to coach in this league.”
Freeze was not able to give any updates regarding the eligibility of All-American LT Laremy Tunsil, who is sitting out as a precautionary measure during the NCAA’s investigation. Last week, Freeze and AD Ross Bjork released a joint statement assuring that the university was “aggressively seeking a resolution” to the matter, which “is not related to any current items involving our football staff.”
Offensive lineman Robert Conyers will be able to play after sustaining a minor injury against Fresno State last week, Freeze confirmed. He also confirmed, after reaching out to the SEC offices Monday morning, that the targeting call on CB Tee Shepard will be upheld, meaning that he will not be able to play at Alabama until the second half.
At any rate, Ole Miss currently ranks #1 in ESPN’s FPI index poll, which claims to be “a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season.”
Freeze was less than impressed with this, however, saying that he “doesn’t even know what that is, but it sounds good.”
“I don’t know that we’re worthy of that right now,” said Freeze. “It’s year four going into game three, and for us to be in those discussions I think speaks volumes of where our program has come in a short time.”
A win in Tuscaloosa this weekend would speak even louder. 
