Assistant sports editor Collin Brister (@CollinBrister), football writer Cody Thomason (@thecodythomason), and NewsWatch 99 station manager Browning Stubbs (@BrowningStubbs)
1. What do you expect from Laremy Tunsil in his first game back from suspension? Can he make a difference on the offensive line?
Collin- His return sure won’t hurt. I don’t think Laremy Tunsil will fix all of the Rebels’ issues on the offensive line, but he will be a huge help. He’ll be matched up with Myles Garrett, one of the best defensive linemen in the country, so he’ll get thrown in the fire immediately. I think one of the best things about Tunsil returning is the Rebels’ ability to move Fahn Cooper to right tackle. Cooper has played well at left tackle this season and will be able to use that experience while operating on the other side of the offensive line.
Cody- He will likely be a little rusty. This will make things difficult for Tunsil, but he should still perform at a high level and improve the entire offensive line tremendously in both run blocking and pass protection. Tunsil’s return means the line can reshuffle and be stronger at the other four spots as well, and Tunsil guarding the blind side will certainly give Chad Kelly more time to throw.
Browning- Coach Freeze said Tunsil is in great shape and he will be ready to take on a challenging defensive line this weekend. I think Tunsil will make a huge difference to not just the offensive line but the entire team. His presence alone could impact the Ole Miss to an emotional performance against A&M. Having 78 out there should get Ole Miss back on track.
2. What difference can C. J. Johnson make back at linebacker? How healthy do you think he’ll be come Saturday?
Collin- C.J. Johnson is one tough dude. I think his return could be huge for the Rebels. Johnson is a key cog on the defense and is responsible for getting play calls in for that side of the football. Even if Johnson is not 100 percent, I think him being on the field can provide leadership at the position.
Cody- Johnson will probably not be at 100 percent on Saturday, but he could make a big impact on the defense even playing a small part in the rotation. Johnson’s leadership on the field is something the Rebels have been sorely missing the last couple of weeks, and having him back to make checks and make sure the defense is lining up in the right gaps would be a big help to a defense that has struggled with concentration at times.
Browning- If he is going to play, I don’t expect him to be his usual self. If Ole Miss can get 75 percent of the production that Johnson can give you, I think Ole Miss will be all right. The defense will need him on the field as the Rebels missed 30 tackles against Memphis, according to Freeze.
3. With starting quarterback Kyle Allen’s questionable shoulder issues, do you see him or true freshman Kyler Murray making the start and does it matter who is under center in the eyes of the Rebel defense?
Collin- I think Allen starts. I watched Allen play the Crimson tide, and what I saw looked like a separated shoulder, the same injury Bo Wallace played with in 2012. When healthy, I think Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, so his presence will be huge for the Aggies. If the Aggies are forced to go with Kyler Murray, I don’t think that will bode well for them. While Murray’s athleticism is undeniable, he hasn’t proven to be a great passer in the SEC yet.
Cody- I think Allen will end up making the start, but both quarterbacks will see time. The Rebel defense will have their hands full with either quarterback, however. While Allen can do a lot more in the air, where a lot of the Ole Miss defensive woes have been, Murray has outstanding speed and could hurt the defense much like Jake Coker did for Alabama. The Rebels will need to get a lot of pressure to stop either quarterback.
Browning – Whether it’s Kyle Allen or Kyler Murray, I don’t think it’s going to matter to this Ole Miss defense. Both quarterbacks bring elements that this defense has seen before. While Allen is more of a pocket passer, Murray can make electric plays on the move. Having said that, they could cause a lot of trouble to this defense considering the recent struggles of the Ole Miss defense against Florida and Memphis.
4. The Rebels still control their own destiny in the SEC West. Can this game against against Texas A&M be the turning point in a season that seems to be slipping away?
Collin- If it’s not, I don’t know when it will be. If we’re being honest, the Rebels are out of mulligans. This is a game they have to win if they’re serious about competing for an SEC title. The Rebels have to figure out their third down issues on both sides of the football, but I expect the Rebel team from Tuscaloosa to show up on Saturday.
Cody- Beating an explosive offensive team like Texas A&M would be a huge confidence for the team, especially the defense which seems to need a spark to get it running on a cylinders. The Aggies defense is much improved and will also present a challenge, but the key will definitely be finding a way to neutralize A&M’s receiving core, which is one of the best in nation. If the Rebels can pull off this upset, they should be back on the right track.
Browning- This game could absolutely be a turning point in the season if the Rebels can prevail. Johnny Manziel is the biggest nightmare in the Hugh Freeze era as he broke the hearts of Rebel Nation in back-to-back years. Two years later, the same Aggies return to Oxford with similar goals on their mind. Ole Miss is favored for a reason in this game and if there is any fight left in this team, we better see it on Saturday.
Score Predictions:
Collin: Ole Miss 34 Texas A&M-30
Cody: Ole Miss-42 Texas A&M-34
Browning: Ole Miss 33 Texas A&M 24
