Ole Miss Season Preview: It's Time for a Turnaround

Last year for the Rebels was not as good as fans hoped. The Rebs just didn't show up on defense, losing to Jacksonville St. in the opening game. The Rebs also were one of the worst at defending the kick off.

This year that could be turned around with the new recruits stepping in on defense. C.J Johnson is the man I think the team needed. At 6'3" and 235 pounds, this guy is quick and effective. He is ranked No. 1 in Mississippi and No. 2 in the nation. This is what the Rebels defense needs to stay alive. With D.T. Shackleford out for most to all season and Powe gone to the NFL, the Rebs need the defensive side of the ball to be stronger than ever if they want chances at a conference championship.

The offense is also talking this summer, with the three QBs (Zack Stoudt, Berry Brunetti and Randell Mackey) all in battle for starting position. The WRs are looking good with Nickolas Brassell and Tobias Singleton. Ole Miss needs some playmaking WRs like Shay Hodge—one that can be called on the crucial third down play.

The Rebels have two good running backs (Brandon Bolden and Jeff Scott). These two will be the main playmakers here, Scott with his speed and Bolden for his power and "Jump moves".

Special teams for the Rebels are looking good, with punter Tyler Campbell and place kicker Bryson Rose, who had a good freshman year last year. The year should be well under control for the special teams, but can the offense and the defense pull together something to improve and hit a bowl game?

Schedule:

9/3: BYU/ Home

9/10: Southern Illinois/ Home

9/17: Vanderbilt/ Away/SEC

9/24: Georgia/ Home/ SEC

10/01: Fresno St./ Away

10/15: Alabama/ Home/ SEC

10/22: Arkansas/ Home/ SEC

10/29: Auburn/ Away/ SEC

11/05: Kentucky/ Away/SEC

11/12: Louisiana Tech/ Home

11/19: LSU/ Home/ SEC

11/26: Mississippi State/ Away/ SEC

Important games for the Rebs:

• Alabama
• LSU
• Arkansas
• Auburn

Predictions:

1. BYU: 30-20/W
2. Southern Illinois: 45-10/W
3. Vanderbilt: 23-6/W
4. Georgia 28-27/W
5. Fresno State: 31-24/W
6. Alabama: 17-21/L
7. Arkansas: 27-14/W
8. Auburn: 10-31/L
9. Kentucky: 20-17/W
10. Louisiana Tech: 42-14/W
11. LSU: 31-27/W
12. Mississippi State:10-14/L

 Record: 9-3 (5-3)

 

After the disappointing season last year, can the Rebels pull back and get to a bowl game? Beat Bama or LSU? Do the Rebs have the team to compete this year, or will they be like last year and have so much hype and then come out and get blown out the water?

Now less than a month, to go we will wait and see the year unfold and be at its best, as always Hotty Toddy!