There Could Be Plenty to Cheer About at Ole Miss This Year

Last year Houston Nutt proved there was lots of gas left in that old coach's tank. 

Enough at least to re-energize both the fan base and the team that has struggled ever since new favorite son Eli Manning moved on to the NFL.

After handing the National Champion Florida Gators their only loss, taking Alabama to task before finally losing and shocking high scoring Cotton Bowl win over yet another Heisman Quality QB and top notch team, Texas Tech proved that Ole Miss may just be a settler in the green grass area rather than just passing through.

With the return of Jevan Snead and Dexter McCluster, the Rebels seem poised to keep the scoreboard lit this next year.  Talented All American receiver Pat Patterson, just signed, should also see some playing time right away.

Add to that the exciting returns of Marshay Green, and Ole Miss could prove to be a defensive coordinator's nightmare. 

They pulled in some great recruits this off season too, and the theft of Bobby Massie from Alabama may prove to give them a starter for the next two years.  He's a big physical offensive lineman that wants to be a left tackle.  That is a spot they sorely needed to fill with the departure of senior All-American Michael Oher.

"Filling that spot with the nation's number one prospect is the best way to handle that predicament."  Said a beaming Nutt on signing day.  "And stealing him from Alabama made it that much sweeter." 

Indeed it was, as that was a player that Alabama could have surely used with the departure of so many senior linemen.

As a two-year junior-college player, he has the size, speed and experience to come in and make a difference right away. 

But it wasn't all about the offense that makes the future so bright at Ole Miss.  They are returning a defense that held opponents to about half their own offensive output.  The addition of several good defensive backs seem to bolster the argument that they could be a better defensive unit than last year. 

Darius Barksdale was Mr. Football in the state of Mississippi following his 2007 senior season.  He played last year at Hargrave Military Academy and was rated as the nation's third-ranked defensive back.  Like others, he could step in right away and have a big impact on the team.

Big Chicago Defensive End Craig Drummond is already on campus attending classes and will be there all spring and may see playing time this fall.  He was one of the nation's top defensive ends.

Last year Old Miss got off to a slow start before winning their last six in a row.  If Nutt can maintain that momentum early, then the Rebels may prove a worthy challenger to Alabama for the SEC West.  

One thing is for sure though, The Rebels are here, they show no fear and they could cause opponents to say "Oh dear!"