Vegas SEC Predictions
Boise State vs. No. 18 Ole Miss (Thursday in Atlanta, Ga.)
Line: Ole Miss by 10
Betsided
The Boise State Broncos must begin life without Chris Peterson as head coach. Bryan Harsin will lead the sqaud across the country to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for its first game of the year against the rising Ole Miss Rebels. The Broncos may have a familiar feel at this place after beating Georgia there three years ago, and remember that Bulldogs team was much better than this Rebels team. But these Broncos are nowhere near as good. Life without Kellen Moore at quarterback has been difficult since then, but as Grant Hedrick enters his senior season at the position, a win here would be a great launching pad for the program to return to mid-major dominance in a new era.
Ole Hotty Toddy
The Ole Miss Rebels return a ton of talent all over the field that continues to get better as head coach Hugh Freeze continues to stock up on talent on the recruiting trail. Senior Bo Wallace looks to lead a very talented bunch as he enters his senior season at quarterback, and if the Rebels are going to live up to the offseason hype that’s been placed on them, they have to win this game. A win would set the tone for a very good season, but a loss could really drop them down toward the bottom of the SEC pack. Winning in the SEC West is going to be incredibly difficult, so the Rebels need all the non-conference wins they can get.
Prediction
The Broncos and Rebels both have experienced quarterbacks and lots of returning starters, but they’re a lot more talented at Ole Miss, and the team has stability at the coaching position. Still, don’t underestimate these Broncos, who will always be a dangerous, well-coached mid-major team and can steal any game if it’s the first game of the season. Boise State will give Ole Miss a major scare, but the Rebels will pull it out in the end.
Ole Miss: 27 Boise State: 21