Ole Miss' John Saunders Evaluates 'Decent' Performance vs. Alabama, Previews LSU

Ole Miss Rebels defensive back John Saunders Jr. was made available to speak with the media on Monday.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels took their first loss of the 2023 season in Week 4 versus the No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide, and now, they have to turn around and host the No. 13 LSU Tigers in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium this Saturday.

The Rebels lost to the Tide 24-10, but Ole Miss was in this game until around the end of the third quarter thanks to a solid first half from the defense. The Ole Miss defense racked up four sacks, nine TFLs, and one interception against Alabama. 

The defense showed improvement, but Ole Miss defensive back John Saunders Jr. knows this unit still has a lot to work on with conference play just beginning. Saunders was available to speak with the media on Monday and evaluated the defense's performance.

"I feel like we played decent," Saunders said. "There are a few third downs we could've gotten off the field quicker if we had executed what we're supposed to do, and I wish we could've limited a few more of their big plays."

Ole Miss DB John Saunders Jr. vs. Alabama in Week 4

The star of Ole Miss' defense versus the Tide was true freshman linebacker Suntarine Perkins, who recorded five tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and two sacks. Saunders was asked if he was surprised by Perkins' performance on Saturday.

"Nah, I've been seeing him since he got (to Ole Miss) and I just knew that he's a ball player," Saunders said. "He's got speed, he can get around the field, and I'm just excited that he's a part of this team and helping us make plays."

Perkins was rated as the No. 1 player in Mississippi in the 2023 recruiting cycle and has proven why in just four games. 

Regarding LSU, the Ole Miss secondary has to prepare for junior wideout Malik Nabors, who has hauled in 32 receptions for 523 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. In Week 3 versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Nabors recorded 239 yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions. A week later, he registered 130 receiving yards and two more trips to the endzone.

"We're going to make sure to be aware of everywhere [Nabors] lines up," Saunders said. "[LSU] lines him up at multiple spots, so everywhere he's at they'll be trying to get him the ball. We'll be aware of where he's at every play."

Kickoff between Ole Miss and LSU on Saturday is set for 5:00 p.m. CT on ESPN.