Skip to main content
ole-miss logo

Ole Miss has flipped the switch from training camp to season preparation

11by:Jake Thompson•08/24/22•

JakeThompsonOn3

On3 image
Ole Miss running back Kentrel Bullock (Photo by Bruce Newman)

Ole Miss said goodbye to fall camp and the feeling of preseason training on Wednesday and began the transition to a normal game week practice.

The change was coming this week as head coach Lane Kiffin alluded to it ahead of this past weekend’s second fall scrimmage.

All of the training camp and fundamental drills, which will not go away completely, are starting to be replaced with installation as Ole Miss begins is preparation for Troy and next weekend’s season opener.

For the players it was a noticeable difference in what they have been doing the last four weeks to what transpired on the practice field.

“We’re starting to look more into Troy things,” said Cedric Johnson. “We’ve been installing plays and the main things we’re going to run but, yeah, we’re focusing in more on Troy.”

Practices are beginning to have a different vibe and an example was the physicality level was turned down on Wednesday.

Saving legs, conserving stamina and preserving the threat for potential injuries has begun with players back in shorts and only shoulder pads.

After a grueling four weeks in the August heat — and a little summer rain — Ole Miss shifting gears and putting it into a lower gear when it comes to practice as the season gets going.

Another immediate indicator regular season protocols were in place was the arrival of the scout team on the practice field on Wednesday.

For the first time all fall camp some of the younger guys were seen in their scout team jerseys as they would begin showing a little of what Troy does on both offense and defense.

“Today was more of an emphasis on working against the scout team, being ready for Troy and going against their looks,” said Jordan Watkins. “We hit it next week. It’s crazy.”

Related: Fall Camp Insider: Ole Miss’ Tywone Malone transitions to football after baseball

Ole Miss kicks off the 2022 season in 10 days and that means they can soon hit players who are not their teammates.

Since Aug. 3 Ole Miss players have been lining up across from one another. That is just how it goes during a preseason fall camp, at any level of football.

Though that does not mean the novelty of trying to best your teammate, best friend or roommate on a play does not grow old. Eventually they want to go full speed against an opposing quarterback, running back or a receiver.

“I’m super excited,” Johnson said. “Just going against our O-line, so we get used to what they’re doing. They get used to the stuff we’re doing. So it’s like they may know a play that we’re doing. It’s just no fun because they already know what we’re doing. I feel like when we go against Troy when they have no idea what we’re going to be doing it’s going to be really fun.”

Related: Franchise Player: Where’s the (Ole Miss football) love? ‘Cause it’s not enough.

You may also like