1. What impact does the comeback win over Vanderbilt have?
Matt Sigler (@SigNewton_2): The comeback win for Ole Miss against Vanderbilt is huge. The win proved to this team that they have the ability to play a full 60-minute game and finish, something that last year’s team seemed to lack.
John Luke McCord (@JLgrindin): The comeback win over Vandy is so big for Ole Miss because of how young they are. They have experience, but when you can count on that many freshmen and play well, but not nearly as well as you can and get a win, that’s big for confidence.
David Collier (@DavidLCollier): It gives this young team confidence in close games, and most importantly, it’s one step closer to going back to a bowl game and keeping that momentum going.
2. What is the area that fans should be the most concerned about?
Sigler: I think it has to be the secondary so far. There has been a lot of shifting back there and Austyn Carta-Samuels of Vanderbilt really picked them apart. Yes, they aren’t completely healthy and at full strength, but it was definitely a weak link in game one.
McCord: Fans should be concerned about the corners. The secondary should be fine because Charles Sawyer and Senquez Golson will be back to help and the safeties are talented and experienced, as well. However, there is a big depth issue at corner.
Collier: Corner is the easy answer, but we already knew the problems there. Therefore, I’ll say the defensive line. They have talent and a lot of it, but they have to get pressure with the front four to help out the thin, depleted secondary.
3. Through week one, who has impressed you the most?
Sigler: Laquon Treadwell, no question. To go into your first collegiate game and put up numbers like that is huge. The kid is fun to watch, and I think he will be for a while.
McCord: I’m going to go with two of the freshmen who didn’t receive as much praise, Austin Golson and Evan Engram. Engram proved himself to be very capable of handling the tight end position last Thursday night. He could also develop into a third or fourth option for the Rebel passing attack. Golson came in at a time it looked like the Ole Miss offensive line couldn’t block Vandy’s defensive front, and he helped stop the bleeding. He really had a second half to build on, at a position (guard) that he had only been at for the final two weeks of fall camp.
Collier: It has to be Evan Engram. After the hype that has surrounded the five-star players in the freshmen class, Engram has quietly had a good camp and broke out with a really impressive first game.
4. With a rematch with Texas one week away, what is key for this week’s matchup?
Sigler: This week is all about avoiding the injury bug. I honestly believe there is no doubt Ole Miss will win this game, but will it still be a win in their book if another big name goes down before the rough stretch on the schedule?
McCord: This week the Rebels must stay healthy. They will win on Saturday, it’s just a matter of point deficit. So I think maintaining health is the main objective for the Ole Miss this week.
Collier: Figure out the depth chart. It’s that simple. Look for a lot of freshmen and younger guys lower on the depth chart to have opportunities to prove their worth and solidify their spot on the depth chart going forward.
