Emotions are a big part of football. It’s one thing to bounce back from a loss. Ole Miss has been trying to successfully bounce back from defeat in the SEC for the last 16 games. This one has a different feel about it though. The Texas A&M game was different. The Rebels were right there against a high-quality opponent. Any one play – insert your play – could have turned things for the Rebels.
That’s why this is a big week for Hugh Freeze and his staff. OL coach Matt Luke acknowledged that earlier in the week, but he also spoke of the resiliency of the players.
Ole Miss QB Bo Wallace
In the brief viewing periods at practice Tuesday I didn’t see any moping, heads down or anything that led me to believe the Rebels weren’t getting ready to face Auburn. Sometimes that shows up later.
The situation involving Bo Wallace’s sister brings a different dynamic to the week. For one, it puts things in perspective. The early prognosis for recovery for Baylee Wallace is good, Hugh Freeze said. She has movement in her extremities. Freeze said “doctors are very optimistic that should could have a full recovery.”
Bo Wallace has been trying to distance himself from the turnovers that have plagued him in almost every game. Freeze described him as “distant” at the beginning of Tuesday’s practice but said he settled in.
The Rebels have a chance to break their SEC losing streak at home against a vulnerable opponent. Auburn’s not going to lay down, but it’s rare these days that Ole Miss simply looks like the better team. This is one of those times, and dealing with the focus and emotions of a team that should have won last week makes this a big week for Freeze and his staff.
Denham Springs, La., native, Mississippian since 1989 with a stop in Meridian before arriving in Tupelo. Daily Journal beat writer since 1996, covering Ole Miss since 2002. Proud Northeast Louisiana alum. Follow me on Twitter @parrishalford and listen to Kory Keys and myself daily with The Ole Miss Beat on Rebel Sports Radio.
