Tuesday, The Daily Mississippian broke down one half of the 2016 Ole Miss football schedule, analyzing the matchups in order of projected difficulty. Today, the breakdown is for the teams ranked in the top six in what will be a very challenging schedule for the Rebels.
- Texas A&M – This team could be the bounce-back team in the SEC this year. The Aggies have struggled since the departure of Johnny Manziel, but they might have finally found the answer for quarterback with Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight. He is surrounded by maybe the best receiving corps in the nation, and the defense, led by Myles Garrett, should build on the improvement they made last season. Expect this to be a tough matchup for the Rebels.
- Mississippi State – Talent-wise, Mississippi State might be behind a few of the teams that have already been listed, but everyone knows the Bulldogs will come to play when the Rebels face them in Oxford for the regular season finale. Even though Ole Miss has the talent to beat the Bulldogs for the third straight year and Mississippi State is replacing star quarterback Dak Prescott, this game is always up for grabs.
- Georgia – The Bulldogs went through a lot of change this offseason as 15-year Head Coach Mark Richt was replaced by former Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart. Georgia has plenty of talent but a lot of uncertainties as star running back Nick Chubb and backup Sony Michel are both coming off injuries, and it’s unclear who will start at quarterback between senior Greyson Lambert or freshman Jacob Eason. If Georgia is firing on all cylinders, it should be a close game for the Rebels.
- Florida State – With the last three games, it’s hard to decide which game is the hardest. Florida State has one of the top backs in the nation in Dalvin Cook, who ran for 1,691 yards last year. Florida State will be implementing a new quarterback in redshirt freshman Deondre Francois, but they have a good offensive line and receiving corps around. As the Rebels’ season opener, this game could go either way and will set the tone for the rest of the season.
- LSU – This is an exciting rivalry game for the Rebels, and this season the Tigers should be better than last year. Leonard Fournette is the top back in the nation and will present a tough matchup once again, and Brandon Harris should be better at getting the ball to his talented receivers. The defense is switching to a 3-4 front, which could pay off for the Rebels. Overall, it will be tough for the Rebels to go into Death Valley and get a victory, but it’s very possible.
- Alabama – The toughest game on the Rebels’ schedule is the defending National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama is replacing Heisman winner Derrick Henry at running back, but Bo Scarbrough could be their next great halfback. Quarterback is a question, as four players are currently competing for the spot, but whoever wins will have Calvin Ridley, ArDarius Stewart and O.J. Howard to throw to. The defense should be great once again, but the days of Alabama having a sure victory over Ole Miss are over. Expect another hard fought game between the Rebels and the Tide.
