Ole Miss Football: Early Summer Questions About The 2017 Rebels
Summer Questions: Which Coordinator Must “Wow”?
The terrible season last year created a few questions and the need for a few changes among the coaching staff. The Rebels were in need of both new offensive and defensive coordinators. They went the FCS route to hire Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo. On the defensive side of the ball Ole Miss brought back an old familiar friend. The Rebels hired Wesley McGriff for his second stint on the Ole Miss football staff.
Both coordinators have a great responsibility to help Coach Hugh Freeze return Ole Miss football to its winning ways as soon as possible. They each have their own obstacles to overcome. However, one coordinator must impress this fall.
So, which coordinator must “wow” the fans with the improvement of their side of the ball?
Defensive Coordinator @coachcrimedawg mic'd up at spring practice. How could you not want to play for this guy? #Landsharks #SipBoyz18 pic.twitter.com/0Dh9vZOxmI
— Brennon Chapman (@BrennonChapman) March 23, 2017
Wesley “CrimeDawg” McGriff
I went on the defensive side of the ball for this one. It would seem as if Longo would have more to prove since he comes from a FCS route. However, the offense wasn’t the problem last year. It was the defense that caused many restless autumn Saturday nights last year. Chad Kelly had the offense playing well enough to win the game. Although, you could see the disappointment in their faces when the defense would give up another score.
Ole Miss Rebels Football
McGriff is taking over a defense that gave up 34 points per game. Those numbers were the worst in the SEC. It is unacceptable for a team which promotes its Landshark defense. Teams were able to run all over the Rebel defense. Again, they were the worst in the SEC giving up an average of 246.3 yards a game.
Therefore, McGriff must come in and effect an immediate improvement on D. You can’t win in the SEC with a mediocre defense. He needs to get more results from the linebacker position. His defensive backfield needs to play consistently. The defensive line needs to be able to dominate the line of scrimmage. In addition, the speed on the outside with Marquis Haynes and the power on the inside with player like Breeland Speaks and Benito Jones, they have the ability to be formidable on the line.
If the defense could have held on to second half leads the Rebels would have went bowling with eight wins. Of course, the talent is young, but it is there. Therefore, McGriff needs to get the best out of them this fall.