Freeze, Orgeron to cross paths again Saturday for Ole Miss-LSU
OXFORD -- Hugh Freeze knows a whole lot about the guy who opened his door into college coaching. He just doesn't know how much of it will be applicable this week.
Former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, who is the LSU defensive line coach, will roam the opponent sideline at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the second time this Saturday when No. 17 LSU visits the No. 25-ranked Rebels.
Orgeron was a Tennessee assistant in 2009 when Dexter McCluster -- an Orgeron signee -- ran for 282 yards and four touchdowns, and Ole Miss defeated the Vols 42-17.
Orgeron hired Freeze as an administrative assistant in 2005. Freeze was an on-field assistant for the second and third years of Orgeron's tenure which ended in 2007.
"Ed was a really good defensive coach. I know what we did when we were together. It's similar, but the offenses are a bit different from what we faced then so there are some differences too," Freeze said.
Orgeron has also coached with the New Orleans Saints and Southern Cal since leaving Ole Miss. He went 6-2 as interim head coach at USC in 2012.
Orgeron was 10-25 as Ole Miss coach.
The Larose, La., native was hired as defensive line coach at LSU in January of this year.
LSU enters the game sixth in the SEC in total defense at 342.8 yards a game, seventh in rushing defense at 133.9 yards a game, 10th in scoring defense at 24.3 points a game.
The once-stagnant Ole Miss run game has averaged 202.6 yards in the three game since Laremy Tunsil's return to left tackle.
Freeze doesn't expect his relationship with Orgeron eight years ago to amount to much five days from now.
"There's not a lot you can build upon. Even if you know his whole scheme you don't know when he's going to call it and when they're going to move and all of those things. I think some of that is overrated sometimes when people have been together," Freeze said.
Elston may wear purple and gold: If you see Trae Elston wearing an LSU jersey next week don't be alarmed.
He'll be paying off a debt, one that won't come due un
less Ole Miss loses to the Tigers.
Elston, a senior safety from Oxford, Ala., was once an LSU commit before being swayed by former Ole Miss assistant Wesley McGriff.
He's got a bet this week with former LSU linebacker Kwon Alexander, a high school teammate who is in his rookie season in Tampa Bay.
Elston and Alexander have been friends since early childhood.
"He's having an amazing season. I'm trying to make a bet with him, he has to rock an Ole Miss jersey if we come out with the win," Elston said.
But if the Rebels don't win ...
"I'll be rocking an LSU jersey. I have one, but I think he'll send one to me special."
Conner at about 60 percent: Defensive back Tony Conner had four tackles and half a tackle for loss against Arkansas, his first game back since sustaining a torn MCL in Week 3 at Alabama.
Swelling in the knee was manageable after the game. Conner was held out of practice last week, and Freeze estimates Conner at about 60 percent of full health as the week begins.
Conner played 30 snaps against Arkansas and said he hopes to play more in the Rebels' remaining games.
Hilton could start at Huskie or corner: Senior defensive back Mike Hilton split time at both cornerback and nickel (Huskie) during the open week.
He began the season at rover (strong safety) but moved to Huskie in the weeks following Conner's injury.
Conner's return coincided with Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen finding receivers open in the secondary and passing for six touchdowns.
Hilton played cornerback most of the second half. He's listed on this week's depth chart as a starter at Huskie or cornerback.
This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 8:59 PM with the headline "Freeze, Orgeron to cross paths again Saturday for Ole Miss-LSU ."