Game 1: Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
David Collier (@DavidLCollier): Ole Miss 34 Vanderbilt 20
The outcome of this game could really change the outlook of Ole Miss’ season, but I think they will finally break through and get a much-needed win over Vanderbilt after losing three straight against the Commodores. Vanderbilt will be replacing a lot on offense, and the Rebels should get enough production to wear them out in the second half.
Tyler Bischoff (@Tyler_RSR): Ole Miss 38 Vanderbilt 31
Jordan Matthews torched Ole Miss last year for 153 yards on nine catches. Expect him to start his season off hot. The Commodores have to replace quarterback Jordan Rodgers, but Austyn Carta-Samuels, who saw plenty of playing time at Wyoming, will help fill the void. Running back Zac Stacey is gone as well, but he had just two carries in last year’s meeting that Vanderbilt won. Ole Miss gets enough done to end Vanderbilt’s three game winning streak in the series, but it will be far from easy.
John Luke McCord (@JLgrindin): Ole Miss 23 Vanderbilt 10
Ole Miss returns too much on offense. While they won’t score a ton, it is mainly due to shaking off the rust in week one. Vandy will be breaking in a new quarterback and while their offensive line should be solid, the experienced Rebel defense should be able to stop an offense that will be shaking off the rust as well.
Game 2: Southeast Missouri State at Ole Miss
Collier: Ole Miss 42 Southeast Missouri State 13
This will be a good opportunity for Ole Miss to straighten some things out before going into a brutal stretch of their schedule. The Rebels should put lots of points up early and give some younger players a chance to get some valuable experience, especially those freshman that will be counted on later in the year.
Bischoff: Ole Miss 45 Southeast Missouri State 10
Southeast Missouri State went 2-6 in the Ohio Valley Conference last season. The only non conference win was against the Mars Hill Mountain Lions. The only fear in this game should be that Southeast Missouri State is in the same conference as Jacksonville State.
McCord: Ole Miss 45 Southeast Missouri State 6
This should be a rather easy game for Ole Miss and while I think the Rebels will score a lot this season, I think you’ll see them call the dogs off here.
Game 3: Ole Miss at Texas
Collier: Texas 27 Ole Miss 24
After the Longhorns ran wild over the Rebel defense last season, Ole Miss will be looking for revenge. It will be a hard fought contest, but Texas will have a long, physical drive late to put the winning field goal on the board. The Rebels will learn a lot about themselves, but it will have to be a coachable moment for Hugh Freeze and his staff.
Bischoff: Texas 35 Ole Miss 31
David Ash’s stat line last year against Ole Miss: 19-23 (82.6 percent) 326 yards 4 TDs and 0 INT. That won’t happen again but will Ole Miss have enough to knock off Texas in Austin? Has Ole Miss improved by 35 points from last season? Close but not enough to get the upset.
McCord: Texas 34 Ole Miss 27
The Texas offense should be even better this season and just good enough to beat the road Rebels.
Game 4: Ole Miss at Alabama
Collier: Alabama 37 Ole Miss 20
Ole Miss will once again have success against the Crimson Tide, but the combination of A.J. McCarron, T.J Yeldon and Amari Cooper will be too much for the Rebel defense. Another physical contest will wear Ole Miss out in the second half that makes what was a close first half into an easy Alabama victory.
Bischoff: Alabama 31 Ole Miss 16
Ole Miss has lost nine straight games to Alabama. The only time Ole Miss won in Tuscaloosa was 1988. The reigning champs will hold off Ole Miss again this year.
McCord: Alabama 28 Ole Miss 17
While I think Ole Miss will again play very physical and close with the defending champs, I think they will again be too much for the Rebels.
Game 5: Ole Miss at Auburn
Collier: Auburn 45 Ole Miss 44
In my opinion, this will be a game that could turn a successful season into a great one for the Rebels. In another tough road battle, Ole Miss will lose a heartbreaker against Gus Malzahn and the revamped Auburn offense. The Rebels will put plenty of points on the board, but settling for too many field goals will ultimately be the difference.
Bischoff: Auburn 45 Ole Miss 38
Gus Malzahn will help Auburn get out of the dumpster fire that was last season. Auburn’s last three recruiting class were ranked 2nd, 8th and 14th by Scout. They have the talent to be an excellent football team. Kiehl Frazier struggled last season, but he went to Auburn to run Gus Malzahn’s offense. Expect Frazier and Auburn to be much improved.
McCord: Auburn 34 Ole Miss 31
Auburn should have a similar turnaround that Ole Miss saw in 2012. The Auburn offense will score a lot and the defense is just athletic enough to beat Ole Miss at home.
Game 6: Texas A&M at Ole Miss
Collier: Texas A&M 38 Ole Miss 34
Much like last year’s contest, Ole Miss will be hanging their heads after another tough loss. It won’t be quite as heartbreaking though because the Aggies will be the ones leading heading into the fourth quarter and a Rebel comeback will fall just short. Bo Wallace will have a great game, but a late mistake will prove to be the killer.
Bischoff: Texas A&M 35 Ole Miss 32
Texas A&M had six turnovers last year in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and they still won the game. Will they gift wrap the victory for Ole Miss again? Probably not. Ole Miss will be better equipped to handle Johnny Manziel, but if he can outrun elite SEC defenses, don’t think Robert Nkemdiche will be a Manziel stopper.
McCord: Texas A&M 38 Ole Miss 34
Johnny Manziel will be a better passer this season and will again work magic inside Vaught-Hemingway.
