College Football Top 25: Buying or selling the 2015 preseason rankings

Sep 7, 2013; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive end Robert Nkemdiche (5) and Southeast Missouri State Redhawks wide receiver Art Mueller (84) fight for the line during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank:  11 (Athlon)
Lowest Rank:  17 (AP)

SELLING

You have to tip your cap to Hugh Freeze and what he’s been able to accomplish in Oxford, and certainly 2014 was a very big step for this program. But given the teams who surround them and what they look at offensively, you have to think that Ole Miss is going to come back down to earth this year.

They struggled offensively with Bo Wallace (who also struggled at times) at quarterback, and this season they don’t even have his inconsistency. The return of Laquon Treadwell will certainly be a boost, but Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade have to develop that timing and relationship with the star receiver.

The Rebels’ defense will still be among the nation’s best, and that’s what will probably salvage a Top 25 year for them, but outside of that, there won’t be much to cheer about. Anything higher than 20 will probably be a stretch for this Rebels team.

The end of season 42-3 woodshedding by TCU in the Peach Bowl is probably still stinging, and another late season collapse could be in the cards with TAMU, Auburn, Arkansas, LSU and Mississippi State all lined up for the final five games.

Next: Georgia Tech