OLE MISS (9-4/5-3 SEC)
16 returning starters (9 Offense/7 Defense and 58 lettermen)/1 NFL Draftee
Last Year: Offense 28.3 ppg ranked #70/Defense 16 ppg ranked #1
Rebels has improved its win total in each of coach H. Freeze’s three years in Oxford,
and the 2015 Rebels is capable of being better than the 9-4 squad from last season.
With most of the pieces are in place on both sides of the ball and with solid depth,
the Rebels is only one average QB away to win or compete for SEC crown.
OFFENSE
The Rebels led the nation in scoring defense but offense struggled mightily, a result
of poor OL plays due to youth's learning curve. This year the Line could be in top form
with the entire OL rotation return, including the All-SEC and potential NFL first round
LT Laremy Tunsil. All five running backs return. An impressive group of pass catchers
led by All-SEC tight end Evan Engram and future-NFL WR Laquon Treadwell are back.
All positions are set except for a three-way QB competition. The new signal caller; be
that Ray Buchanan, DeVante Kincade, or highly touted Clemson transfer Chad Kelly,
won't be, individually, as productive as Bo Wallace but the overall Offense will be more
consistent, and better ball security than the 25 TO's ranked #95 in the nation.
DEFENSE
The top ranked Defense lost its top three LBs and two All-Americans in Secondary,
but not much drop-off is expected from this very experienced group of Rebels.
They return top six linemen headlined by Robert Nkemdiche along with veterans
CJ Johnson, Fadol Brown and Issac Gross to form a formidable front. The LB unit
will be anchored by two seniors D. Nkemdiche and C. Russell along with heralded
juco recruit Terry Caldwell and sophomore DeMarquis Gates. These four should be
able to hold down the fort on defensive second level. The pass defense, ranked #16
and allowed 192 ypg, lost two All-Americans in Prewitt and Golson, but returns its top
two tacklers, Mike Hilton and Tony Conner, and senior Trae Elston plus a deep corp.
of experienced reserves. This could be a nasty, hard hitting Defense for the Rebels.
PREDICTION
Schedules are very favorable with four non-conference cupcakes; a good draw
from SEC East, at Florida and home vs Vandy. A possible 6-0 though Gators could be
a challenge with new HC J. McElwain. Home tilts against Tex A&M, Arkansas and
LSU could possibly give the Rebels a 2-1 record. Road games at Alabama and Auburn
are tough. Can the Rebels steal one of these two games? The Rebels end the reg.
season with an Egg Bowl battle which is never easy regardless of team's record.
A likely 9-3 season for the Rebels. A better than average QB and a slip-up by one or two
other contenders could very well send the Rebels to Atlanta.