Posted on Wed, Oct. 10, 2007
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Rebs take aim at Tide
Orgeron looking for defense to improve against SEC foes
By JIM MASHEK
jwmashek@sunherald.com
Ole Miss coverage-
Football
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Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron was pleased with his defense’s improvement in last week’s 24-0 victory over Louisiana Tech.
But he’d be a lot more impressed if the Rebels made significant strides on that side of the ball in Southeastern Conference play. The Rebels (2-4, 0-3 in the SEC) play host to longtime SEC rival Alabama on Saturday. The Crimson Tide are 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the SEC.
“There is a difference in talent, in playing Georgia and Louisiana Tech,” Orgeron said. “Nothing against Louisiana Tech. They are a well coached team. I know their coaches are doing a good job. I don’t think (the Louisiana Tech game) is a very good gauge of where we are, defensively.
“The next three weeks, we can find out if our tackling has improved.”
Georgia racked up 382 yards rushing in its 45-17 victory over Ole Miss last month in Athens. Terry Grant, Alabama’s freshman running back from Lumberton, paces the Crimson Tide with 532 yards rushing and five touchdowns this season.
“We never could get (Grant) to visit (Ole Miss), and we really wanted to recruit him because of his speed,” Orgeron said. “We thought he was a fantastic player (at Lumberton). I think (Alabama’s) Andre Smith is a big, physical offensive tackle. I can see why they like him. I can see where they use him. They have a good game plan.
“They are basically a zone (blocking) team.”
Ole Miss gave up just 65 yards rushing in its methodical victory over Louisiana Tech. Outside linebacker Ashlee Palmer had a good game, Orgeron said, and junior lineman Peria Jerry has shown a presence up front. The Rebels kept their shutout intact when senior lineman Brandon Jenkins blocked a field-goal attempt in the fourth quarter.
“I was pleased with the amount of pressure we got on the quarterback,” Orgeron said. “We had four sacks and guys were on the quarterback a lot more. We are getting up the field a lot better.”
The Rebels will be looking for a similar effort Saturday against the Crimson Tide.
