This team is a different Ole Miss team than last year, and the last couple of weeks have proven that.
Earlier this year, the Rebels went on the road and defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide. They continued their run of Alabama dominance, defeating Auburn this past Saturday. It was the first time Ole Miss has beaten both schools in the same season since 2003.
Beating Auburn at Jordan-Hare is a tough task no matter what the skill level of the team is. However, beating both Alabama and Auburn on the road in the same season takes a special team.
This Ole Miss team did not look special in their losses on the road at Florida and Memphis. The team seemed to play like they were sleep-walking and did not take their opponent too seriously.
The loss to Memphis seemed to be a much-needed jolt of caffeine. With Laremy Tunsil back on the offensive line and the “landshark” defense playing up to its potential, the ultimate goal of getting to Atlanta for the SEC championship game is still very much alive.
The Rebels must win out in order to make the Atlanta dream a reality. As it looks right now, the Rebels are going to be favored by Vegas in every remaining game. The only game where the Rebels could possibly be an underdog is against LSU at home on Nov. 21.
(Coach Hugh Freeze and football players lock the Vaught before a home game earlier this season | Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
Arkansas and LSU will be a tough test for the Rebels when it comes to stopping the running game. LSU ranks fifth in the country in rushing behind sophomore running back Leonard Fournette, who has 1,352 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Arkansas ranks 36th in rushing yards with 196 yards per game. The Razorbacks also have a stellar running back, junior Alex Collins, who has 960 yards on the season with 12 touchdowns.
The Rebels’ rushing defense has been much improved the last two weeks, giving up 58 rushing yards to Texas A&M and 125 yards to Auburn Saturday. If the front seven for the Rebels can handle both Collins and Fournette the next two games, then the Rebels could be 9-2 going into Starkville.
Ole Miss hasn’t won in Starkville since 2003, but we have plenty of time to talk about the Egg Bowl.
It will be a long and windy road in order to get there, but hear me out, Rebel nation. If Ole Miss wins out, there is still a chance they can make the College Football Playoff.
As it looks right now, the Big 10, Big 12, and ACC champions are likely to go undefeated and claim the first three spots in the playoff. Those teams are likely to be Ohio State, TCU and Clemson. The final spot will go to either the SEC or PAC 12 conference winners.
If the Rebels win out and go 11-2, which includes a win in Atlanta, it would be hard to argue against the Rebels.
But it’s too early to talk about that. Or is it?
