After a 37-24 loss to Memphis that likely takes the Rebels out of contention for the College Football Playoff, Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze addressed the media Oct. 19 with a heavy heart and virtually apologized for his team’s performance in Week 7.

But Freeze added that the Rebels are ready to put the loss to the Tigers behind them and come back strong as they resume conference play this week against Texas A&M.

A big part of the Rebels’ struggles against Memphis was due to the fact that they could not convert on third downs. Ole Miss finished the game 4-of-13 on third down and Freeze said that the execution on those plays is something he and the coaching staff will certainly address.

Freeze also pointed to the defense’s missed tackles as a problem that needs to be solved quickly by Ole Miss. He added that more attention and perhaps even more time needs to be spent on tackling in practice.

In order to get the defense back on track, Freeze said the Rebels need to regain their swagger and return to being landsharks.

Freeze said regaining that swagger and getting the players to play harder is ultimately up to them, but added he will do everything in his power to make sure the team plays with more heart moving forward.

Freeze then gave an injury report, which included several key players with concussions. But the most serious injury was suffered by offensive lineman Robert Conyers, who started the first five games of the season at center for the Rebels but had been a backup the last two weeks. Conyers will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.