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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) runs the ball during the second quarter of the game against the LSU Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) runs the ball during the second quarter of the game against the LSU Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Record: 10-3, 6-2 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 5 vs. Florida State (Orlando, FL)

Most in the country would scratch their head at Ole Miss being ranked above LSU. Thing is, there’s a good reason for it. Quarterback. Ole Miss has one of the top quarterbacks in the nation in Chad Kelly, LSU does not.

Kelly is back to light up the SEC again and lead Ole Miss to a SEC championship in his final season. Kelly was marvelous to the tune of 4,042 yards and 31 touchdowns in his first season as a college starter.

The Ole Miss offense will be fine even with the loss of star receiver Laquon Treadwell. Damore’ea Stringfellow, Quincy Adeboyjo, and redshirt freshmen Van Jefferson and Damarkus Lodge are each capable of replacing Treadwell’s production. Running back will have to be an improved position in 2016. Ole Miss believes it has the bigger backs needed to run against SEC defenses in Akeem Judd and Eric Swinney. While Ole Miss technically lost its entire starting offensive line, most of the returnees have game experience.

The defense lost Robert Nkemdiche but they gain Breeland Speaks. Nkemdiche was known to take plays off. Speaks goes full speed on every play. Sack leader Marquis Haynes will help lead the defensive line as well. Linebackers DeMarquis Gates and Rommel Mageo will round out the defense. Ole Miss welcomes back Tony Connor with open arms at the husky (a hybrid linebacker/safety position) position. Connor provides an instant boost to the Rebel secondary along with corner Kendarius Webster.

The Rebels will be one of the teams to beat and will get a chance to show what they’re all about in the first game of the season against Florida State. If the Rebels win that game and a third in a row against Alabama, the Rebels could be on their way to the college football playoff.

Next: No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide

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