Houston Nutt Press Conference: 11.22

Nov. 22, 2010

Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt met with the media on Monday and discussed the Rebels' upcoming battle against Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl.

Opening Comments:

"I am really proud of our guys after Saturday night; I just wish we could have finished the game the right way. They fought hard but made too many mistakes, the team that makes the fewest mistakes is naturally the team that is going to win. We are excited about this week, it is a big week. We are looking forward to the Egg Bowl; it is the biggest game of the year. With school being out, we have had the guys in here this morning watching film, and getting a head start on the game plan for practice tomorrow. We are going to suspend Melvin Harris this ball game for breaking team rules."

On the Mississippi State rivalry:

"It is really big with MSU. Playing Mississippi State when I was at Arkansas is not the same as it is here at Ole Miss. We have basically reversed roles this year with State. Last year we were going to a bowl game but this year we are not. This is a big ballgame. All summer long all I heard was people talking about the Mississippi State game. When your state is divided, you truly understand what a rivalry is, it's really big."

On the players understanding the game:

"It started back in January during the winter workouts. Losing to Mississippi State in our last regular season game was a bitter pill to swallow last year. The seniors that graduated kept telling the younger players that they had to do something about this ballgame next year. Every week a different coach makes mention to the team about the last ballgame."

On the recruiting impact:

"We have a good thing going right now with recruiting. I think this game is important because most of your instate recruits will be here. It is always big to win this ballgame, it just helps everything. I think it has a big impact on recruiting."

On focus after the LSU game:

"There was a lot of hurt in the locker room Saturday night. A lot of players laid their hearts and energy out on that field. I want to build from that. Ya'll know what we all felt like as coaches this time last week. We were asking for passion and to always play hard and finish; I think they did that. It is a lot of these guys' final football game. So this is big, it can be a good foundation as we go into the off season."

On MSU's improvement from last year:

"If you look at their turn over margin, they have done a great job of protecting the ball and getting turnovers. Their running game seems to have gotten better. They have always had a running game, but it has improved. Their defense is very strong; they are the ones creating most of the turnovers. The big defensive linebackers that they have run around, are very physical guys and play extremely hard. I think it all goes back to turnovers with them. When you get the ball especially on your end of the field, it is a nice gift."

On Markieth Summer's penalty:

"We do not coach players on how to dive into the end zone. It is so ridicules, just run it in. They see that stuff in Sunday night football and you just cannot do that. Just run the ball in. The referee made the right call, it is a rule. In the SEC the rule is the rule. We do not spend time in practice working on how to do a swan dive into the end zone. It was a bad play after having made such a beautiful play. I did not see it from my end of the field, but I did see the flag."

On defending MSU's option last year:

"We know that they are going to run the option. We have to do a much better job preparing for that. They do some other things as well, but the option will definitely be in there. We have to do a good job finding the football."

On defending the option this year:

"There has been times where it has been good and times where it has been bad. We have to close the gap and have safety support. Everybody has to have their assignment, whether it be quarterback or pitch, and play right on queue. You have got to be fast. We have to be at our best to play against option football this week."

On impact of last year's game on recruiting:

"It really did not have much of an impact. We had our best year of recruiting this year. I think it was because they saw the success of two back to back Cotton Bowl wins. They felt the energy of our players and loved coming over here. Our players are the best ambassadors we have. I was concerned after losing that ballgame last year, but after signing day I was excited. It was our best signing day."

On in-game adjustments:

"We would rather prepare during the week and teach the players what to do in here than on the sidelines. We would rather be able to practice on a game plan and get reps on it. Teaching on the sidelines with a chalkboard is the toughest way to do it."

On the state of the program:

"I feel good about the program but, I do not like the season. I'll be honest with you, I hate losing. We did not plan on losing and it has been a bitter pill to swallow. It has been difficult with injuries and decisions our young people have made, it really hurts. Like I told you last Monday, I feel good about what we have going. I feel good about the future and I am excited about our program. I feel that good things are coming. I really believe that."

On offensive line improvement:

"This year was A.J. Hawkins first collegiate start as a center. To take a snap and be able to go block is a difficult chore. Jared Duke has done really well for an 18 year old kid. He has jumped into the trenches in a very difficult conference. Patrick Junen played until he got hurt. We have a lot of young guys who have gotten baptized in the trenches. I am really proud of how they have played and competed. You have to be a man out there. Usually you would put these guys on a scout team and wait around for them to mature. Evan Swindall is another guy who has been a strong force for us this year. We have a lot of young guys that have stepped up for us and I am proud of them. Of course Bradley Sowell and Bobby Massie continue to get better as well."

On Jonathan Cornell:

"He has been an awesome captain for us. He really plays hard. I hate to see the tears in that dressing room, he is one of the ones that laid it on the line against LSU. He made a lot of big plays for us and tackles. He is always in the right place and you can count on him. I am really proud of his leadership during these tough times."

On the senior class:

"They have done a lot of good things. Losing Kentrell Lockett was a lot tougher than I anticipated, especially in the dressing room and the locker room. We had an open seat and were able to take Kentrell Lockett on the trip with us this time and it made a huge difference in the locker room. The ones that lead by example in the locker room and with practice habits are so important. The ones like Dexter McCluster that say to follow them and they will show you how it is done. Jonathan Cornell has been a real leader for us and the backbone of the team. Reggie Hicks has also been a leader. I am really proud of them."

On Jeremiah Masoli's knowledge of the Egg Bowl:

"I have talked to him about it and I have tried to educate him like I was educated. He understands how important this game is. He won't fully understand it though until he walks in that stadium and sees the fans. I have tried to explain it to him the best I can."

On biggest concern about the game:

"Most of my worry revolves around us. I know they are a good football team and have done some great things. They take care of the ball and have a great defense. I am more focused on us though. If we can take care of the ball, execute, and make smart decisions, we are going to make first downs and score. When we do not do that, we keep our defense out there too long. When we play like we did Saturday night, I can live with whatever happens. The only thing I want to eliminate is the foolish mistakes. They really hurt. It's like shooting yourself in the foot. It's those things that worry me."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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