Ole Miss Football: Making The Grade, Game One, South Alabama Jaguars

Defensive Grades

OHT conducted a recent twitter poll and asked the question. Which Ole Miss coach are you most ready to see on the field? Of course, among the anwers was the Crimedawg, coach Wesley McGriff.

Of the four choices, the Crimedawg had the populous of the vote. Sure, after last season we were ready to see something different and for the most part Saturday night we did. There is an idea the defense will have more fire under coach McGriff and will be a resurgence of the former Landshark defenses we’ve grown used to in the past. I believe we saw the beginning of that Saturday night. So let’s get to the grades.

Defensive Line, B+

When you consider this defense from last year you have to appreciate the defensive front as the one and only bright spot. We know what we get from this defensive line unit coming back. Now with a new DL coach in Freddie Roach, we can expect the solid D line play to continue.

When it comes to Saturday’s game against South Alabama, you have to consider this was an experienced Jag O-line who has played together for a while. However, Ole Miss football had a future star emerge at the defensive tackle position. Josiah Coatney had a great game and accounted for 5 tackles with 2 TFL.

In total Ole Miss had 6 TFL’s while getting 1 sack. Charles Wiley had a big night with 3 tackles and 1 TFL at the DE position. This defensive line has talent and depth. This will prove fatal for later opponents. As this group plays together they will continue to get better.

Linebackers, A-

This was a problem spot in the 2016 defense. There was little depth at the LB position and it showed in second half defensive collapses early. It didn’t get any better. The linebacker position is vital to good secondary. The ability to get a linebacker in the backfield creates a disruption and breaks down the best offenses. Ole Miss linebackers stayed in the backfield all night; that’s a positive as we move forward.

Coach Paveto has proven himself in the SEC before and has a talented group of linebackers to do it once again. There is still a question of depth at the LB position however this group played well in their season opener. I believe they get batter as we move thru the season. However, it is vital they stay healthy.

Secondary, B+

Well here we are. This was the black-hole of the defense last season and we were swallowed alive. From the moment Ken Webster went down against FSU we saw the secondary up against the wall. We were lost on defense when it came to pass coverage. Between injuries and lack of depth we were easy pickings against a good arm.

In the season opener against South Alabama, the secondary showed much improvement from last season. Trust me, the WRs for South Alabama are good despite being little known. Why? Because many of you may not remember USA head coach Joey Jones being one of the best route runners in the SEC. If Joey Jones lays head and heart on a wide receiver you can bet he is getting that players best.

Besides AJ Moore having the lone sack on the night, there were other big moments for this young secondary. CJ Moore led all tacklers with 8 and Jaylon Jones had 4 himself. This is a secondary who know it’s place on the field and will hit. Of course, they gave up a few yards against a lesser team however they know their role. Keep in mind, Crimedawg is a DB genius and will get the most of this group.

So last night what we saw was not a continuance of last season. No last night we didn’t see players extremely out of position nor did we see players get beat deep. The secondary gave up a few long plays but didn’t break for the most part. They were solid. That’s why they get the B+ grade and also I know they’ll get better as they move forward.

Overall Defensive Grade, B-