Rebels' Jeremy James Talks Improvement vs. LSU, Previews 'Strong' Arkansas Defense

Ole Miss Rebels offensive lineman Jeremy James was available to speak with the media on Monday.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels bounced back in a big way last Saturday, beating the LSU Tigers in an electric 55-49 shootout after recording just 301 yards of total offense in their tough Week 4 road loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In Week 5, the Rebels exploded for 706 yards of total offense, with quarterback Jaxson Dart throwing for a season-best 389 yards and the Ole Miss rushing attack recording a season-high 317 yards.

The Ole Miss offense was able to operate at its full potential versus LSU thanks to a big game up front from the guys in the trenches. Ole Miss offensive lineman Jeremy James was made available to speak with reporters on Monday and explained the biggest difference between their matchups with Alabama and LSU.

"I think it's just preparation," James told the media. "We didn't play our best game [versus Alabama] and it showed on Saturday. Going into this past Saturday, we just made sure to work hard. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are our big work days, so we went and put in the work, and I think it showed up on Saturday."

James revealed his biggest takeaways from Ole Miss' thriller versus LSU.

"I think we played well as a group and played hard," James said. "LSU is a good team, but we were physical and got after them."

Ole Miss offensive linemen Jeremy James (#78) and Reece McIntyre (#56)

The offensive line was not a popular group among Rebel fans following their performance versus the Tide, and James discussed whether or not the criticism bothers the unit.

"I don't think it bothers any of us," James said. "We hear it, but I'd rather have a fan base that is frustrated with us when we're not playing well than one that is celebrating when we're close to winning big games."

Ole Miss is riding high after its upset over the Tigers, but the team will have to stay on top of things if it wants to finish its tough schedule on the right note. In Week 6, the Rebels will host the Arkansas Razorbacks who are coming off of three-straight losses.

James previewed Arkansas' defensive front.

"They're a really good unit," James said. "Really physical and strong, they're going to get after it. It's a tough group."

Entering Week 6, Arkansas' defense has recorded 14 sacks, nine quarterback hits and 36 TFLs. Ole Miss and Arkansas are scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, and the game will be televised on SEC Network.