Matt Luke had his first opportunity to speak to the media during the SEC’s first weekly media teleconference of the 2017 season Wednesday. During his segment of the call, Luke discussed the importance this game could have for Rebels overall season, the state of his team heading into the season, as well as the season opening matchup against the Jaguars. 

The Ole Miss-South Alabama game kicks off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU. 

Here are the highlights from Luke’s call:

  • Going up against a running back that could be the school’s all-time leading rusher by the end of his career, they bring back their leading tackler so this is a good team we open with
  • On the excitement around game week: It’s all been building toward this game. The players are excited to get out there and do what they came to do.
  • What will this game mean for you emotionally? No doubt, that’s going to be one of my biggest challenges personally. It’s been a dream of mine to lead the team that I played for, my brother played for. I just have to keep my emotions in check.
  • Will South Alabama’s win over Mississippi State last year help your team? I know we have respect for this team, this is a good football team. They also got a big win over a good San Diego State team last year.
  • How big is the return of RB Jordan Wilkins? I’m really excited to see what Jordan Wilkins brings to this offense, he’s a complete running back.
  • How do you score on great defenses like FSU and Alabama? For us, it was about going fast, trying to limit their substitutions, limiting their depth. That also limit the checks and calls they can make if you go quickly.