 The Ole Miss defense has given up 365, 326, 188 and 393 yards in its last four games. That's to Alabama, Auburn, Vanderbilt and LSU, respectively.

Does that mean an Arkansas offense should be able to run on the Rebels on Saturday in Oxford? That wasn't something UA offensive line coach Kurt Anderson was taking for granted.

“Obviously, it doesn't matter what the numbers say,” Anderson said after practice Tuesday night. “It's about toughness, grit and getting off the ball. As a 2-5 team, I do not think we are licking our chops about anyone.”

Anderson sees the same kind of tough assignments lurking on the Ole Miss defensive line. It never gets easy in the SEC. Tackle Josiah Coatney (6-4, 302) has 36 tackles. End Breeland Speaks (6-3, 285) has 35.

“They have a couple of war daddies up front,” Anderson said. “Those guys can change the game. It's not going to be any different each week. Everyone in the SEC has players like that.”

Unfortunately, the Hogs lost their “war daddy” in the offensive line. Center Frank Ragnow is done for the season with a severe high ankle sprain that will require surgery. He played in typical fashion despite sustaining the injury at the 8:10 mark of the first quarter. He didn't miss a snap. Pro Football Focus had him with the highest grade of any center in the nation despite fighting through the injury.

“It's the guttiest performance I've ever seen from a player,” Anderson said. “It was an incredible effort. To play like that for three-and-a-half quarters on one leg, well, he's a warrior and an inspiration to all of us.”

It inspired junior guard Hjalte Froholdt to step up in a vocal way in the offensive line meeting room on Sunday. He issued a challenge to the rest of the group to double their efforts in tape study and preparation to cover for a fallen teammate. So far, it's gotten a big response.

“That's what I've seen,” Anderson said. “The guys were all over early yesterday. They have hit it hard. I'm pretty sure it was because of what Hjalte said to them. They studied very late last night. They were over early today and they had good questions about what they had seen.

“Hjalte's talk on Sunday was an unbelievable talk. It was a great, great message. He inspired all of us. It was all due to what had happened to Frank.”

However, Anderson has seen good focus before in practice only to struggle in games. Protection has been a problem for two seasons. The production in the running game has fallen off, although there were some better runs against Auburn than in previous weeks. The Hogs totaled 171 yards on the ground, despite minus yards for six sacks.

“We did run it a little better,” Anderson said. “The thing that I'll say about this group is that they have prepared well. We've had good practices in the past. We just didn't execute the game plan.

“I think they are focused on the game plan again this week. We just have to get better execution.”

Anderson would not reveal the starting lineup, but did acknowledge that Zach Rogers would take Ragnow's place at center. There's been a shuffle at other positions over the last five weeks. Johnny Gibson has played right guard, right tackle and left tackle. Froholdt is the only constant. He's started every game at left guard.

“It's tough to get comfortable with the (shuffles),” Froholdt admitted. “We've battled injuries. It's been a battle. But you just have to have the next man step up.

“I knew with Frank out, I had to become more vocal. It's definitely tough not having Frank out there. He's put down a great foundation for us. He knows everything about every single defense, every play. He plays to the whistle. When I look to find him at the end of the play, he's on top of a defensive player.”

Froholdt was hit hard by the injury to Ragnow.

“Personally, he's an amazing friend and great mentor,” he said. “The only thing that's settling is that I know this won't keep him from going to the next level. He's going to be alright.”

It isn't like Ragnow has left the team. He has been in meetings. He was at practice Tuesday, near the huddle.

“He can't travel this weekend,” Anderson said. “The swelling is too much.

“Obviously, we lost a guy that is a great player. We take a hit in regards to leadership, a go-to guy in our room. But, it's the way it is, some guys have to step up. So far, it's been Hjalte in a big way. It forced him to become a lot more vocal.”

And, it pushed the entire unit.

“I saw a lot of juice from the guys,” Anderson said. “They saw the tape of how he played with that injury. I am sure he wasn't aware that it was a significant injury. He'd never been hurt. Never really missed any time.

“They responded when they saw that tape. They went right to work.”

Anderson knows it's not been a good year for the offensive line.

“It's been a struggle,” he said. “We've broken it down every way you can. We've worked on our issues. Our players are frustrated. Coaches are frustrated.

“We've tried to simplify things. We've simplified it as much as is possible.

“It's an overall situation with the offense. It's not just the offensive line. You want to make a pocket, but you need everything to work together. It can be different things.

“Yes, it's about offensive line play. But it's also about the tight ends, the running backs, the quarterbacks and the wide receivers. It all has to work together.”

There have been times that everyone has gotten the right assignment.

“We don't have as many mental mistakes,” Anderson said. “There are still some. But they have to strain a little more. Whether or not they are tired, they have to strain to the end of the play. They have to break through to finish plays.

“I think they are working hard on the game plan this week. But, they have to see it all with their eyes and finish plays.”