Ole Miss encouraged by defense heading into home opener

Mississippi's Braylon Sanders (13) makes a catch against Texas Tech's Douglas Coleman III (3) during an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, at NRG Stadium in Houston. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP)

Mississippi running back Scottie Phillips (22) runs past Texas Tech defensive back John Bonney during the second half of a college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Houston. Mississippi won 47-27. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Mississippi wide receiver A.J. Brown catches a touchdown as Texas Tech defensive back Justus Parker defends during the second half of a college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Houston. Mississippi won 47-27. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Mississippi head coach Matt Luke walks on the field before a college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)