Fraternizing with the enemy: Talking the Egg Bowl with Jordan Merritt

Q: The Rebel defense has had a massive turnaround under Pete Golding, becoming one of the nation’s best. We know about the insane talent in the Front 7, the pressure they can create, and their ability to shutdown the run. How has the backend of the defense performed?

A: It's mostly been good, but it can give up chunk plays, plenty of pass interference, and holding penalties. Trey Amos has been lockdown for us this season at the right corner position, but the left side has seen it's struggles.

I do not doubt that Mississippi State will make some big chunk plays again through the air. The deciding factor will be how often the quarterback has a clean pocket to do that. The Rebels' ability to rush four and get home has made it so that more bodies are in the backfield, reducing some splash plays.

Q: Teams haven’t had much success at all against this defense, but what things, if any, have you seen that have at times given the Rebel defense problems?

A: Dual-threat quarterbacks have struggled in designed run plays but have seen some success when going off-script. Florida's DJ Lagway kept drives alive by continuous movement in the pocket, not just standing waiting for somebody to get open.

Ole Miss linebackers didn't know whether to stick or twist when he stepped up in front of his lineman, and Florida's wide receivers created enough separation for Lagway to find them down the middle.

Van Buren must be patient and not second-guess if somebody is open. Against a defense that has been lockdown for the most part, taking risks in tight windows must sometimes happen.