SEC INSIDER

Ole Miss rides defense to national prominence

Ben Cook

October 16, 2014 at 12:13 pm.

Oct 4, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Senquez Golson (21) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the end zone intended for Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) to win the game during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels won 23-17. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Ole Miss Rebels have achieved national respect with their 6-0 start that has them ranked third in the nation in the Associated Press and coaches polls and second in Lindy’s rankings, their highest ranking since being ranked No. 1 in the 1964 preseason poll.

Ole Miss is one of only six undefeated teams remaining in the FBS.

When most people think of the Rebels they automatically think of quarterback Bo Wallace, wide receiver Laquon Treadwell or an improving offensive line. It’s kind of hard not to when the Rebels average 35.7 points per game.

But there is another side of the football that deserves some attention at Ole Miss and that’s the defense. Dave Wommack and Jason Jones, co-defensive coordinators, head a Rebel unit that’s allowing 11.8 points per game, which leads the SEC and ranks second nationally, and is tied for second nationally with 12 interceptions. Ole Miss also leads the SEC with 16 turnovers forced.

In six games, the Rebel defense has only allowed six touchdowns. But they have practically offset those by scoring four defensive touchdowns, three on interception returns, which is tied for the most in the country.

The Rebels have forced at least one turnover in 29 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in the country. Ole Miss ranks 13th nationally in total defense (307.2 yards per game) and 21st in both passing defense (193.8 ypg) and rushing defense (113.3 ypg).

Marcus Spears, a network analyst for the SEC Network was quoted as saying: “The Ole Miss defense is the best defense in the country.”

“They are the best defense in the country for a reason,” said Speedy Noil, Texas A&M wide receiver, who saw the Rebel defense score two touchdowns against the Aggies.

The Rebels’ defense is led by cornerback Senquez Golson, who leads the SEC with five interceptions, free safety Cody Prewitt, outside linebacker Serderius Bryant and defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche.

When asked about the improved Ole Miss defense, coach Hugh Freeze was quick to hand out praise to his coaches.

“The first thing that popped in my mind was (cornerbacks coach) Jason Jones deserves a lot of credit. Obviously Dave (Wommack)’s schematics has a lot to do with it. They do a great job,” he said. “With our corners, I don’t know that I remember a deep ball this year that we weren’t in position. That certainly doesn’t mean we’ve made every play. I think we were in position. Even the one where they hit on the little skinny post the other night, our freshman (Kendarius) Webster was right in position, he just has to make a play on it. That hasn’t always been the case.

“Obviously recruiting helps that,” said Freeze. “The second thing that popped in my mind was we haven’t given up explosive plays. I’ve always been a believer from being an offensive coach, if you make an offense have to drive a consistent drive, over and over again for 60-70 yards, we make mistakes on offense. You’re going to block a look wrong or something. It’s very difficult if you don’t get explosive plays.

“When you get explosive plays, those drives get easier. If you really have to grind out first down after first down and then convert in the red zone, it’s difficult. Our team has given up very few explosive plays and then we’ve been stingy when it does get in the red zone and made people settle for field goals. There are a lot of reasons; the scheme, the coaches, but most of all, the players,” he said.

“Certainly, we’ve improved. Individuals have improved. I see Lavon Hooks making plays. I know Marquis Haynes has improved and continues to. C.J. (Johnson) is getting healthier. Fadol Brown has improved. Bryon Bennett is having a very solid year and Keith Lewis, also. Ken Webster got a lot of snaps the other night because of Trae (Elston) being out. Mike Hilton has been solid. We’ve improved.”

This weekend, Tennessee will find out just how much Ole Miss has improved.