1. How much of all three quarterbacks do we expect to see play Saturday?
Dylan: I expect to see more of Chad Kelly on Saturday as Ole Miss looks to get through Fresno State, get Kelly plenty of reps and prepare for Alabama. Buchanan and Kincade will split reps throughout the rest of the game and get the game experience they need to step in and play in the future. I expect a heavy passing attack Saturday from all three quarterbacks and big numbers from Kelly.
Cody: As always, the player performances in the game will be the true decider for what the rotation looks like, but expect something similar to last game with Chad Kelly taking the majority of the reps and Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade rotating in.
Browning: I honestly think we’re going to see at least two-and-a-half quarters of Chad Kelly at quarterback for the Rebels. It’s vital for Ole Miss to know who their number one quarterback is going into the showdown against Alabama next week. Once the game is out of reach, I expect Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade to get more snaps. However, I wouldn’t be shocked if Kincade gets a few draw plays in the first half like former Ole Miss quarterback Barry Brunetti got a couple years ago.
2. How much of an impact will C.J. Johnson have in his first game back for the Rebels?
Dylan: C.J. Johnson’s return will have a big impact on the defense and linebacking core, which struggled at times against UT-Martin. Johnson will be huge in run support and communication throughout the whole defense. It will be Johnson’s first start at middle linebacker for the Rebels, so expect to see some growing pains. Johnson originally committed to Ole Miss as a linebacker so the skill set is there.
Cody: Johnson will definitely make an impact as a linebacker, especially in run support. If he rushes from the defensive end spot as well, he could also have a big day rushing the passer. Expect Johnson’s experience and leadership to help keep things running smoothly on defense.
Browning: The Ole Miss defense gave up 116 yards to UT-Martin last weekend. With C.J. Johnson back in the mix, I expect that number to be a little less on Saturday. C.J. brings veteran experience that this linebacker core is going to need in order to contend with the best in the SEC West.
3. The Fresno State running game played well in their win against Abilene Christian last week. Are the Rebels equipped to stop a strong ground game right now?
Dylan: Even with the loss of Issac Gross, the Ole Miss defense is capable of stopping any running game. Fresno State had an impressive performance on the ground in their opener against Abilene Christian with 225 yards total. The leader of the pack was senior running back Marteze Waller who finished with 154 yards on 22 carries. The Rebel front seven must stack the box and clog up the running lanes in order to stop Waller and force the Bulldogs beat us by throwing.
Cody: Definitely. The defensive line will take a step back without Issac Gross, but they’re still a very formidable line and should be able to hold their own against the Bulldogs. Add in a linebacker group that looked good last week and the Rebel defense should be in good shape.
Browning: Absolutely. Despite the loss of defensive tackle Issac Gross, Ole Miss is still very deep on the defensive line and should have no trouble against the Bulldogs. After Robert Nkemdiche’s impressive first game performance, I expect him to take a huge leap this season, possibly even a Ndamukong Suh type season in 2009 for Nebraska.
4. With Laremy Tunsil probably sitting out, how will the offensive line fare against a good Fresno front seven?
Dylan: The Rebels have adjusted well with absence of Tunsil. Fahn Cooper has slid around to replace Tunsil at left tackle and Sean Rawlings and freshman Javon Patterson have stepped in and filled the other holes on the offensive line. What’s great about this Ole Miss team is there’s depth at offensive line and between seven and eight guys can fill in and play quality snaps. It’s a rare luxury for the Ole Miss offense.
Cody: No line can be the same without its star left tackle, but the Rebels should be able to shuffle around well enough to play well against Fresno. Expect Sean Rawlings and Robert Conyers to see a lot of time at right tackle, with the starting right tackle Fahn Cooper taking over for Tunsil at left tackle.
Browning: The loss of Laremy Tunsil could make or break the Ole Miss season. In my opinion, Tunsil has already played two full seasons as a Rebel. There’s no incentive to holding him out. If he is ineligible, then Ole Miss may have to forfeit every win from the past two seasons. What’s one more game going to hurt? As far as replacing him, Fahn Cooper will have some big shoes to fill at left tackle, and I think he can do a decent job. Robert Conyers and Sean Rawlings are going to have to perform big on the line if the Rebel running backs are going to have success.
