1. Through three games, how surprised are you with Ole Miss’ hot start?
Matt Sigler (@SigNewton_2): I anticipated this team would be sitting at 2-1 at this point, but it has definitely been a surprise so far. Defensively, especially against Texas, the team is a lot further along than anticipated, and it seems the offense has found a rhythm three games in.
John Luke McCord (@JLgrindin): Had you told me this would be the case coming into the season, I would have been a bit surprised. However, after watching them play so far, it is easy to see they are a better team than most expected them to be in year two under Freeze. Also, before the season, Texas looked to be a loss, but obviously after a loss at BYU, the perception of the Longhorns changed.
David Collier (@DavidLCollier): They’ve surprised me a lot. I thought the offense would score some points early in the year, but the way they’ve battled back in their two tough games has been impressive, especially doing it on the road.
2. In the second half against Texas, Ole Miss had their best defensive half. Is this the defense to expect going forward?
Sigler: I think in spots you will see it, but when playing in the SEC, no defense will perform like that consistently. It was a near flawless half for the Rebels, but with the schedule coming up, don’t expect to see it as much.
McCord: I expect that is the type of defense they are capable of being, but I’m not sure it what we will see all the time. I think they adjusted and figured out the Texas offense. I think when this defense is fully healthy they can consistently be that good.
Collier: You have to be cautiously optimistic. I think the defense turned a corner against the Longhorns, but they won’t be able to stay in their base defense and have success against everyone. The next few weeks will make them figure things out in a hurry.
3. Have your expectations for this season changed after beginning the year 3-0?
Sigler: I think there is a little more upside, but ultimately, I still have this team at seven regular-season wins, nine at the maximum.
McCord: I think the expectations have definitely risen with the fans. I think people are beginning to expect eight or nine wins, but this schedule still presents very tough games in Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU. Also tricky matchups against Auburn, Missouri and Mississippi State.
Collier: They have. I didn’t think they could get a win at Texas, but after what they’ve shown so far, I think you have to expect wins in the last five games as well as having a shot against Auburn, Texas A&M and LSU. Injuries could totally change things for the worse, though.
4. Ole Miss is only in year two under head coach Hugh Freeze, but how close are they to competing with the SEC’s elite teams?
Sigler: I think they are close. After last season’s performances against Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU, I think people are beginning to see that this team can hang with the big dogs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take one down this season.
McCord: I think Ole Miss can be a threat to the SEC West elite this season and next season. However, in 2016 when Hugh Freeze will have signed the 2014 and 2015 classes, the Rebels will be expected to be and should be very competitive among the SEC’s top tier.
Collier: They’re getting closer, but still have a ways to go. Right now, they could upset someone, but they need more depth before they can really compete for a championship in this league. The momentum they’re building will help on the recruiting trail, which will ultimately determine how soon Ole Miss has the talent to win a title.
