AUBURN, Alabama — Fresh off a bye week, the Tigers are looking to grab an important win in the SEC West on Saturday, as they host No. 10 Ole Miss (6 p.m. CST, ESPN).
Following No. 18 Auburn’s off week, Bryan Harsin will meet with reporters to preview the matchup with the Rebels and discuss his team heading into the final five games of the seaosn.
In case you missed our live updates, here’s a rundown of Harsin’s press conference with reporters.
• Auburn’s players of the game from the Arkansas game: Bo Nix (offense), Zakoby McClain (defense), Kilian Zierer (offensive line), Colby Wooden (defensive line) and Shedrick Jackson (special teams).
• Said Auburn had “three good practices” during the bye week and got “a few guys healthy.”
• Left tackle Austin Troxell is expected to be back this week, but Harsin still praised Zierer for his performance against Arkansas.
• Harsin was glad to get some time to work on the young players during the bye week. Said the extra time in the weight room for them will help in the offseason as they earn bigger roles next season.
• Harsin watched the Ole Miss-LSU game, says “the offense was on fire” and “the defense came on and played physical.”
• Harsin on Ole Miss: “They’re 6-1 for a reason.”
• Ole Miss’ aggressiveness on fourth down will be a challenge to get the Rebels off the field, Harsin said.
• Ole Miss QB Matt Corral is “the frontrunner for the Heisman,” Harsin said.
• How does Harsin formulate a plan to keep momentum going through a bye week? “It’s about the mentality of your players. Are we still trying to get better for the bye week? I think we did. I don’t think we took it for granted.”
• Auburn was still installing “new schemes and details” during the bye week.
• Auburn’s practice last Thursday was led by the team captains, since coaches were on the road recruiting, Harsin said.
• Auburn has been studying the past two games for Ole Miss more than the previous weeks since the Rebels defense has improved significantly, Harsin said.
• Auburn defensive tackle Jeremiah Wright, who tore his ACL in the spring, will not return this season. Harsin said that’s an injury he doesn’t want rushed.
• Harsin on the new vaccine requirements and whether he is vaccinated/will get the shot before the deadline: “The executive order, that doesn’t change the fact I’m not going to discuss any individual’s status.”
• Auburn “took advantage” of the bye week with working on the running game, Harsin said.
