Gus Malzahn transcript
Opening statement...
"First of all, we're very excited to be back home after our four-game stretch on the road -- excited to get back in front of our home fans. We're playing a very talented Ole Miss bunch. They had a week off, to prepare for us, to heal up and everything that goes with that.
"Offensively, they're second in our league in rushing -- a lot of explosive runs, a whole lot. Their young quarterback is phenomenal with the ball in his hands. The older quarterback, he can definitely throw it. Defensively, what stands out to me is they are very sound in the running game. They've been very good against the run. They've got most of their guys back, especially up front where they are very disruptive.
"It will be a good challenge for our team, but one that our guys are looking forward to. Like I said, the big thing for us is playing in front of our home crowd and working real hard to get a victory before our next open date to get some momentum back."
On John Rhys Plumlee…
"Well, he's dynamic with the ball in his hands. He's had a lot of explosive runs, and I think up until last week, he was one of the top rushers in our league from a quarterback standpoint and he's rotating with another guy. So I think that really says everything that you need to say."
Does Bo Nix need to run more?
"I think that any time our quarterback is a runner, it opens up other things, so that's always important. And if that opportunity presents itself -- sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't -- but when our quarterback is a runner and can be effective, it really opens things up."
Difficulty of preparing for the Ole Miss offense…
"You just said it, they do a lot of different things and they have two different quarterbacks that are a little bit different. They had an off week and so the prep that goes with that, you have to prepare for a lot of different things. So they do some unique things with their RPOs and with pulling people one way, the quarterback going the other way. It's a unique offense, and he does a very good job with it."
About running the ball effectively…
"You know we are a run-play action team -- we need to be effective running the football. We need to continue that streak, and that will be a challenge. They're much improved on the defensive front with their run fits. Their linebackers are very active – it's very impressive to watch -- and so that will be a big key to the game, running the football and being effective."
How important is having the rest of your games at home?
"It's a difference maker. We play better at home, there is no doubt. We feed off our crowd, and our group is a lot more comfortable -- that's a great feeling. But we are glad to be back home, and we need to kick this thing off the right way. We are playing a team that presents challenges and they're a talented team on defense and offense, so this is a good challenge for us."
How beat up and tired is your team after LSU?
"It was a physical game; I think everyone saw that. We did not practice on Sunday, which was by design from the standpoint that it was a physical game and we want to make sure our guys are fresh. But I really expect our guys to come out with great energy today at practice. As of right now, we are expecting everyone to play, which is pretty important, and looking forward to a good practice today."
Is Bo Nix better playing at home?
"I think he's playing better at home, but that's to be expected of a freshman quarterback. He's more comfortable and I think that's a good thing we're back for him, too."
On the running back rotation…
"We're going to practice today and all of them will be out there, and we'll get the best plan for whatever that is for the game. So, we'll see how practice goes, and Thursday I can answer that question a little better."
Any changes to the offensive line?
"(Center) Nick Brahms is going to get an opportunity to compete this week. He finished up the game. Both of those guys (Brahms and Kaleb Kim) are going to get an opportunity to compete this week in practice, and we will see who the best one is for the game."
Will D.J. Williams get more reps going forward?
"I think so. Boobee (Whitlow) wasn't 100 percent, and he won't be 100 percent this week. So, we were very impressed with D.J. That was his first extended time playing. We will see how practice goes, but we have some other guys we feel good about, too. We'll have a good plan after Thursday's practice on what we are going to do."
Were you surprised how quickly Whitlow recovered from injury?
"Yeah, he was cleared. But like I said, he's not 100 percent and he's not where we need him. He was on a limited basis by design. It'll probably be something like that this week, too."
On D.J. Williams as a receiver…
"Yeah, he's got great hands. He actually played quarterback in high school, so he's got good hand-eye coordination. What really has impressed me about him is his knowledge of the game and picking things up so quickly. I think with him having played quarterback, it helps with him understanding the big picture."
Why are you more successful playing at home?
"One, it is a comfort to play at home. There is something special about our place and our fans and the connection the players have with them. They feed off of them, and it is very unique."
Any thoughts on a quarterback rotation…
"Every game is different, and we were right in the middle of that LSU game and we were fighting until the end. We scored the last time we had the ball, and I wish we had gotten that onside kick. I think things would have been a little different."