Horns247 Board

Ole Miss was a terrible run D last year.

UTEP ran for 207 yards on 5.8 ypc against OU
UTEP ran for 37 yards on 1.2 ypc against Ole Miss

Ole Miss that improved as a rush D, OU just really bad against the run, UTEP caught OU off guard and Ole Miss had the benefit of having UTEP on tape, or you don't take anything away from those numbers?

I think we have a statue of him on campus.

Keep in mind that OU is basically learning a new defensive system as well, and that night in El Paso was their first time facing live bullets. It took half a season for our defense to get up to speed under Manny last year.

It's interesting that this will be a face off of two offenses in transition.

Their defense is light in the backside. I think that will matter before the day is done. I think it will also matter how quickly our LB's start rounding into the form we became accustomed to with Keenan and Acho.

Also, we're going to put Wallace on his backside. A lot.

This guy is extremely quick so we'll see.

Coming out with more of a purpose this week is important. I liken this game to the away game at North Carolina a decade or so ago.

One of my questions this week for the Ole Miss writer is about their DTs and what kind of advantage/disadvantage they'll have there considering their size and Espinosa's struggles.

I think Mackey is a wildcard on Saturday. Not only was he a HS quarterback, but he was Ole Miss' starter for ~6 games last year. Freeze won't be too shy when it comes to letting him take a shot or three.

Interesting analogy. I think that game followed the 8 sack performance by North Texas, so there were definite questions. And they put a beat down on UNC. That was a really talented UT team that, while top 10 almost all year, seemed to have a lot of trouble consistenly playing to its potential (a common theme historically for Texas teams). I think today's coaching staff may have gotten a national title out of that group.

Btw, great write-up Bobby. Getting your perspective on the opponent like this is awesome. Really separating hookem.com from the others.

I have concerns too. We really need to get off to a fast start to get the momentum early. If we don't start fast i think this game might be a nail biter.

I agree... if we come out like we're playing Wyoming or New Mexico again. But I have a feeling we're going to come out with a purpose, especially defensively. I think it's the first game with any excitment for the guys, and they'll respond accordingly and to prove something about Texas and the SEC. I will be surprised if Ole Miss scores more than 10 in this game. I think we'll score on special teams at least once, too.

agree with bbliss.....the team has been hidden away by LHN, we're playing a "SEC" team....I think the D stands up for this one...im just anxious to see if we attack their smallish D with the power run all game or if we get our speedsters the ball in actual space- see Daje's touchdown.. that to me is space...or maybe even make one guy miss...but space, not a bubble pass with three guys to shake...