What are some of the biggest advantages of not playing a game this weekend?
Dylan- Resting the players is the biggest advantage for me. A tough stretch of games is coming up for the Rebels. It all starts off with Memphis, who no one should take lightly considering they were one touchdown away from upsetting UCLA. Alabama comes to town next and Ole Miss players’ health for that game will be key. Two running backs are facing injuries with I’Tavius Mathers and Jordan Wilkins. Deterrian Shackelford is fighting an ankle injury. Getting these guys healthy will be big for the Rebels in the off week. A little rest doesn’t hurt either.
Cody- Getting players an extra week to get healthy as well as an extra week to prepare for their next game. A week off means that the Ole Miss players won’t be as sore and beat up but also that players with more serious injuries, like I’Tavius Mathers and Jordan Wilkins, will have a better chance at being full-strength and just playing in general against Memphis. It also means that the team will be very prepared for Memphis with the extra time to watch film and practice.
What are some of the biggest disadvantages of not playing a game this weekend?
Dylan- Not having a game this weekend hurts momentum. The Rebels have played so well over the first three games that another game this weekend would be good for the team to continue their recent stretch of successful play. Too much rest during a bye week can lead to lackadaisical efforts in the coming week. It’s good to keep your players focused on the task ahead and not give them too much time off. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true.
Cody- There’s definitely a chance the team could be rusty. There’s a possibility players will be looking past the Memphis game and on to the Alabama game, which could make the Rebels susceptible to an upset against the Tigers. The extra time is definitely great for the team to have but it could have been better used against one of the Rebels bigger SEC opponents.
With a quarter of the season over, what’s your opinion on the Rebels’ start to the season?
Dylan- When I first looked at the schedule, I knew Ole Miss would start the season 3-0. I did not expect this much success from the Rebels on both sides of the ball this early in the season. I thought Boise State and Vanderbilt would be tough games, but the Rebels made it look easy. The level of play from the defense is what surprised me the most. The “landshark” defense has looked like the best in the Southeastern Conference so far. Bo Wallace has been the best passer in the conference. I did not expect this much success for Ole Miss, but I’m pleasantly surprised to say the least.
Cody- I think the Rebels have done well so far in the season, but not quite well enough to deserve being rated the number 10 team in the nation yet. Ole Miss has shown a loaded passing attack and an exceptional passing defense by a secondary that has a knack for getting interceptions, but they’ve also had some weaknesses exposed. Everyone knew the offensive line was a big worry for the Rebels, but so far none of those fears have been put to rest as the line has struggled with run blocking and false start penalties. Meanwhile, the defense has had a tough time stopping the run in all three games this season.
Will the top 10 ranking for the Rebels last long?
Dylan- Hate to say it, but it may only last another two weeks. The Memphis game will be tough, but after that it’s Alabama week. A loss there will most definitely knock the Rebels out of the top 10. If Ole Miss beats Alabama (fingers crossed), they travel to a hostile environment at Kyle Field the next week to play Texas A&M. There is a good chance the Rebels will split those two games. If the Rebels go undefeated these next three games, you could see Ole Miss as one of the best teams in the country.
Cody- I think the Rebels high ranking in the polls will be short lived. In the next five weeks after the Memphis game, Ole Miss faces 3rd-ranked Alabama, 6th-ranked Texas A&M, an on-the-rise Tennessee team, 8th-ranked LSU and 5th-ranked Auburn. Ole Miss could conceivably go 1-4 in that stretch, although I personally think they will be able to get at least two wins against those opponents. Ole Miss definitely has a strong team this year, but the chances that they can stay undefeated after that stretch are very slim.
