Tuesday practice notes: All eyes on the Ole Miss quarterbacks
OXFORD, Miss. — With the Alabama game coming up on Saturday, all eyes are on the Rebels’ quarterback position. Starting quarterback Matt Corral suffered bruised ribs in the 28-20 loss to Cal Saturday, and true freshman backup John Rhys Plumlee stepped in for Ole Miss, leading the Rebels to one score and coming oh-so-close on another.
John Rhys Plumlee carries the ball against Cal. (Photo: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss Athletics)
At the beginning of practice Tuesday, Corral was not on the field. However, he did make an appearance later during the time media was allowed to observe, but did not participate in any drills.
Plumlee and fellow true freshman Grant Tisdale each took snaps with the offense, although Plumlee appeared, while we were there, to take more first team reps.
As for Corral, he has officially been listed as “questionable” due to the rib injury. Tuesday is the only day media is permitted to observe practice; however, we will be able to interview coaches and players Wednesday and should learn more information Corral’s status as game-time nears.
At his Monday press conference, head coach Matt Luke suggested that both of his quarterbacks may play against Alabama.
“Matt and John Rhys are so different, they (Alabama) have to go into the game preparing for both. You hope that Matt is healthy and they have to prepare for both of them. That’s the goal, is to get him healthy and have them both available.”
Head coach Matt Luke
Tight end Octavious Cooley spoke with media after practice and says regardless of which quarterback is in for Ole Miss, it won’t change his game. “We’ve got a freshman–we’ve got 10 (Plumlee),” Cooley said. “I like him. They say Matt’s ribs are a little sore, but he’ll be back. He is doing a lot of treatment and he’ll come back strong.”
Other notes:
Deantre Prince appears to have inserted himself in the cornerback rotation with the performance he had against Cal last week. I would expect for Prince and safety A.J. Finley to get more snaps as the season progresses. The Crimson Tide wide receiver corps is one of the best in the nation, and the Rebels secondary will have their hands full.
The offensive line rotation of eight Rebels continues to be as follows: starters — tackles Michael Howard and Alex Givens, center Eli Johnson, guards Royce Newman and Ben Brown, followed by tackle Nick Broeker, guard/tackle Bryce Mathews, and guard Jalen Cunningham.
Injury updates:
Cornerback Keidron Smith continues to wear the green (non-contact) jersey in practice, which he has done the past three weeks; however, he is expected to play Saturday.
Freshman offensive lineman Darius Thomas, senior defensive back Montrell Custis, redshirt freshman offensive lineman Hamilton Hall, and freshman defensive lineman Le Darrius Cox also wore the green jerseys Tuesday. Cox (lower back) and Corral are the only new developments on the injury front.
Alabama info:
The Rebels head to Tuscaloosa to face the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday, September 28th in the classic CBS 2:30 time slot for kickoff.
