Reece McIntyre says Ole Miss offensive line looks to get a ‘couple guys back in the rotation’ against Oklahoma
OXFORD, Miss. – Following last week’s bye, Ole Miss football has returned to the practice field in preparation for Saturday’s matchup against Oklahoma.
The Rebels are 5-2, overall and 1-2 in Southeastern Conference play with losses to Kentucky in week five and, most recently, LSU in week seven. In both games, the offensive line struggled to protect Jaxson Dart, allowing four sacks against Kentucky and six against LSU.
Center Reece McIntyre talked Monday about the unit and their mindset.
“We can improve tremendously. None of us are at our best, none of us have reached our full potential. We all have room to grow. We are taking what Coach Garrison is coaching and applying it on the field.”
– Reece McIntyre on the state of the offensive line
More specifically, Reece says the bye week allowed the linemen to re-group and focus on the areas of play that have caused struggles on the field.
“Just honing in on where we can improve…communication, footwork, hand placement, and technique.”
– McIntyre on what the line did over the bye week
Head coach Lane Kiffin also met with media Monday and indicated Ole Miss could have some starters on the line return from injury.
“We’ve had two returning starters…that were starting…be out for a couple of weeks now. They’ve both done a little bit of stuff. We could be shuffling some different things, because we need to play more consistent up there. That was an issue last week in pass protection.”
– Lane Kiffin on the offensive line
McIntyre, too, hinted that a couple of linemen who’ve been injured will be back into the rotation against Oklahoma.
“Yeah, we’ve got a couple guys coming back in the rotation…It helps because it pushes everybody to be your best because you got eight-nine guys who can play. It makes you go harder because you got eight guys in the room who can all play and all played a lot of ball. It helps all of us out.”
Reece McIntyre on players returning from injury
Looking at who he’s referencing, it appears that Jayden Williams, Jeremy James, and Gerquan Scott all have a decent chance to make their way on the field this Saturday.
Coach Kiffin on Jayden Williams: “I definitely anticipate him returning him this season.”
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) October 21, 2024
McIntyre acknowledged that the offensive line used the bye week to regroup mentally as well as physically.
“Kiff kind of came in and did a good job in the team meeting. It happened and it happened. You’ve just got to flush it and go. Oklahoma is coming in, so it will be a good challenge for us this week.“
– Reece McIntyre
Going against a fierce Oklahoma defensive line, it will be interesting to see who Lane Kiffin trusts to protect his quarterback and get this offense rolling again.
Next Up
Be sure to tune into ESPN Saturday at 11:00 a.m. (CT) to watch the Rebs take on the Sooners in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Go Rebs and Hotty Toddy!
