Defensive line for Auburn is strong
Injuries on Rebels’ line will be issue
OXFORD - Completely healthy offensive lines have struggled with Auburn’s defensive front.
So this week’s assignment will be daunting for Ole Miss, which doesn’t even have the benefit of a clean bill of health on the offensive line, as it prepares to meet No. 17 Auburn on Saturday (6:15 p.m., SEC Network) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
“Their secondary is good too, but their front six just jump off the page at you,” Rebels coach Hugh Freeze said. “They are an issue.They are a problem for you, for whoever plays them. Whether it is (Carl) Lawson or (Montravius) Adams or their two backups, they are two deep in every position. They are an elite defense, so whether you are zone blocking them or back schemes or pass protecting, it is an issue.”
Ole Miss (3-4, 1-3 SEC) could possibly be down two starters on its offensive line. Left tackle Rod Taylor and right guard Jordan Sims both sustained ankle injuries against LSU, which forced them to exit the game.
Freeze said Taylor and Sims would both be questionable or “day-to-day” this week. Neither practiced on Tuesday. Offensive line coach Matt Luke thinks Taylor and Sims will have a chance to play, but he’s preparing as if they won’t.
True freshman Greg Little filled the void at left tackle against LSU, while Daronte Bouldin, a redshirt junior, received action at right guard in Sims’ absence.
“Greg gave up a sack ... other than that, (he) played really well,” Luke said. “Daronte played really physical, had five or six pancakes. He’s a physical guy, so he’s just got to keep coming and learning the speed of the game.”
Little has rotated at left tackle all season, so he’s seen some extended playing time. Sims and left guard Javon Patterson have received most of the playing time on the interior of the line.
Luke was optimistic the game action Bouldin experienced on Saturday will help.
“He’s been practicing just like the (first-team players) have,” Luke said. “I think he got 60 snaps maybe in the last game. The game snaps he got last game is what helps prepare him.”
Alex Givens, who has split time at right tackle this season, is an emergency option at guard this week. The Rebels will need all hands on deck against the Tigers (5-2, 3-1), who beat Arkansas 56-3 last week.
“I think they’re the most talented (defensive front) we’ve seen this far with Carl Lawson and Adams,” Patterson said. “They do a great job of doing what they do. Linebackers, they’re doing a great job of running down hill, making some plays for them. It’s a big challenge for us.”
Auburn recorded four sacks against Arkansas and suffocated the Razorbacks’ running game to the tune of 25 rushing yards. Adams, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 309 pounds, caused havoc in the interior of the line of scrimmage while Lawson makes his impact on the edge.