Ole Miss Rebels Work Hard, Play Hard in New Orleans

Chad Kelly
Photo courtesy of Joshua McCoy / Ole Miss Athletics

The Ole Miss Rebels’ second full day in New Orleans is in the books after a practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and a visit to the National World War II Museum, among other activities.

The day started with a press conference featuring some of the Rebels’ top offensive players and offensive coordinator Dan Werner. Senior offensive tackle Fahn Cooper, junior tight end Evan Engram, junior quarterback Chad Kelly, junior wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and senior running back Jaylen Walton talked to reporters about the honor of playing in the Sugar Bowl, the journey to get to the postseason, the prospects for their individual and team futures, and other topics.

Ole Miss Football at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, LA. Photo by Joshua McCoy

Werner talked about the quality of Oklahoma State’s defense, despite their lack of impressive stats while playing in the high-flying Big 12 Conference.

“I just look at their talent and their scheme, and they have a couple of really good players,” Werner said. “Their corners are really good. And they have a defensive end that is projected to be a first-round pick. Schematically, they do a lot of things that cause some problems. So we’re going to have to, obviously, play well.”

Ole Miss Football at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, LA. Photo by Joshua McCoy.

With Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints legend Archie Manning in attendance, the Rebels practiced for the first time at the Superdome, the site which will host the 82nd annual Allstate Sugar Bowl on Friday (7:30 p.m. CT, ESPN). Head coach Hugh Freeze led his team in a roughly two-hour session as they prepare to face the Cowboys from the Big 12.

The Rebels got a history lesson Monday night at the spectacular National World War II Museum. Following a dinner of ribs, chicken, corn grits, dirty rice and seasonal vegetables, the team was treated to a brief inspirational message and history lesson by a local historian.

Christian Russell, Damarkus Lodge and other Rebels enjoy a simulated submarine experience at the National World War II Mseum in New Orleans. (photo by Joshua McCoy)

They then toured a portion of the museum, which included a simulated submarine experience that was quite a treat for the players (except maybe the biggest linemen, who are about the twice the size of many of the World War II soldiers).

The National WWII Museum is the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans and ranked by TripAdvisor as the No. 3 museum in the United States.

The Rebels’ first-class Sugar Bowl experience will continue Tuesday with another practice in the Superdome, more media opportunities and a team dinner at the award-winning Red Fish Grill in the French Quarter.

Follow Ole Miss Football on Twitter (@OleMissFB), Instagram (OfficialOleMissFootball) and Facebook (Facebook.com/OleMissFootball), in addition to www.OleMissSports.com. For more behind-the-scenes looks at the Rebels’ Sugar Bowl activities, follow the official Snapchat account of Ole Miss Athletics (WeAreOleMiss).

Courtesy of Ole Miss Sports Information

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