2009 Ole Miss Rebels College Football Predictions

2009 Ole Miss Rebels Predictions
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Houston Nutt, 2nd year (9-4 at Ole Miss, 120-74 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Kent Austin (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tyrone Nix (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 16 (7 offense, 8 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Jevan Snead)

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Offense: The Rebels showed they were legit last season and now return seven starters to an offense that averaged 32.1ppg and 407.6 yards per game (29th in the nation). The leader on the offense is junior Jevan Snead (6-3, 215), who threw for 2,762 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 picks in his first season, so he can only get better. He also has a few dynamic weapons to work with including senior WR Dexter McCluster (5-8, 165), who rushed for 655 yards and caught 44 passes for 625 yards and a TD. He’s the facilitator of the “Wild Rebel” direct-snap formation. Sophomore Brandon Bolden (5-11, 220), who ran for 542 yards as a true freshman, is settled in as the starter. Up front, the Rebels return three starters, but have to replace All-American LT Michael Oher. Sophomore Bradley Sowell (6-7, 310) is the most likely candidate to replace Oher at left tackle.

Defense: The Rebels return eight starters on a defensive unit that allowed just 19ppg (20th in the nation) and 85.5 yards per game on the ground (4th in the nation). The front four loses All-American DT Peria Jerry, but they still return three starters and senior DE Greg Hardy (8.5 sacks), who is pass rush specialist. The Rebels led the nation in tackles for loss last season with 111. At linebacker, the Rebels return two of the three starters and senior Patrick Trahan (6-2, 225), Trahan had 29 tackles in limited play last season after coming to camp out of shape. The secondary will be a big issue this season. They return three starters from a pass defense that allowed 221 yards per game. Senior FS Kendrick Lewis (5-11, 192) led the team with 85 tackles and four interceptions last season.

Outlook: The Rebels host LSU and that’s the biggest reason they are picked first. This is a very good team led by an explosive offense and an opportunistic defense. They face Memphis on the road, SE Louisiana at home, along with Northern Arizona and UAB at home. There’s no reason why they can’t be 4-0 in their non-conference schedule and considering they miss Florida and Georgia, this could be a very special season.

This SEC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com