BLOG — Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze raved about the energy he saw from his defense during the team’s latest practice leading up to next week’s BBVA Compass Bowl.Ole Miss went through another round of drills and workouts leading up to game against Big East foe Pittsburgh at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
“The defensive energy was phenomenal. The offense was a little sluggish. The red ball (portion of practice) was good for them, but after that, I don’t know, the energy didn’t look quite the same,” Freeze said. “I did think it was a productive day defensively. When we went the best out of five there at the end, the defense dominated it.”
Sophomore quarterback Bo Wallace took snaps and threw the ball more than he did Friday. Freeze said his shoulder and arm was still sore.
“It is what it is. It’s sore. He’s getting ready though and will continue to get ready to play,” Freeze said. “He’s going to play regardless.”
Freeze continued to emphasize that junior Barry Brunetti, Wallace’s backup, will also play and that the offense would be ready to go with either one taking snaps against the 6-6 Panthers.
Ole Miss’ scout team is simulating what the Panthers do on offense and defense in practice now that the bowl game is just a week a way and extra work being administered to players who were expected to help in the future has become more limited.
“(Younger players) are not getting a lot of the reps right now. They’re more on the scout team this week. But I was really pleased coming out of that week before we broke for Christmas about those young kids,” Freeze said. “I think they’re more confident in what they’re doing for sure.”
For more from Freeze on Saturday’s practice as well as his thoughts on Pittsburgh’s defense, see Monday’s Sports section. (December 29, 2012)
