The Mississippi Rebels went 2-10 back in 2011, and then they hired Hugh Freeze, who has taken them to bowl games in back-to-back years now. This year could be his best yet with 60 lettermen, including 15 starters back and the 16th best recruiting class in the nation coming in. Preview & schedule are below.
The Rebels averaged a modest 30 ppg last year, and I look for them to put a few more points on the board this year with 6 starters back, including QB Bo Wallace, who threw for 3348 yards and 18 TDs last year. His top WR from last year is gone in Donte Moncrief, but 4 players are back that has at least 21 receptions and 266 yards receiving last year, plus they add in a #30 WR out of HS in Markell Pack. Watch out for sophomore Laquon Treadwell, who was a #2 WR out of HS and who was a 1st team Freshman All-American selection last year. This could be a loaded WR corps. The running game will be decent with I’Tavius Mathers and Jaylon Walton back, plus they add in a #30 RB from the Juco ranks in Akeem Judd. The OL could be an issue with just 2 starters back and not a whole lot of depth. The defense for the Rebels looks to be outstanding this year, as they have 31 lettermen, including 9 starters back from a group that allowed 23.7 ppg last year. The defense is led by the Nkemdiche brothers, who combined for 69 tackles, 2 sacks and 8 TFL last year and should only be better this year. Robert is the younger brother and is just a sophomore. Last year he was named to the 2nd team Freshman AA team last year and was a #1 DL when he left HS. Also back are LB Serderius Bryant, who had 3 sacks and 9 TFL last year and DB Cody Prewitt, who had 7 PBUs and 6 INTs last year to lead the SEC, plus they add in 4 players that were 29th or best coming out of either HS or the Juco ranks.
I like this Ole Miss team allot. Their offense should be more potent this year now that Wallace is a senior and he has some great weapons around him. If the OL really steps up then they could top 35 ppg this year. The defense looks very strong for this team, with the 12th rated DL and the 3rd rated LB corps in the nation, plus a very athletic secondary. They do have tough road games vs A&M and LSU, but also get Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Mississippi State at home, plus have a rather easy non-conference slate. This is a dangerous team that is getting better each year and Hugh Freeze has his best team yet. It may be tough cracking in to t the top 2 in this division, but if Alabama or Auburn slip up then the Rebels just find themselves higher in the West standings. 9 wins and a 3rd place finish is what I will call for. KEY TREND: 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games at LSU
2014 Ole Miss Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Boise St (in ATL)
Sep. 6 at Vanderbilt
Sep. 13 UL Lafayette
Sep. 20 OPEN DATE
Sep. 27 Memphis
Oct. 4 Alabama
Oct. 11 at Texas A&M
Oct. 18 Tennessee
Oct. 25 at LSU
Nov. 1 Auburn
Nov. 8 Presbyterian
Nov. 15 OPEN DATE
Nov. 22 at Arkansas
Nov. 29 Miss State
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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