Ole Miss Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

The turbulent 2017 offseason has finally come to an end for Ole Miss football. What does the season have in store for the Rebels?

To say the least, Ole Miss needed the offseason to end. The time has come for people to finally just talk football. From the NCAA investigation to the resignation of Hugh Freeze for personal reasons. Ole Miss and its fanbase has needed football to come. Excitement abound surrounding the potential of the Rebel offense led by sophomore quarterback, Shea Patterson.

The 2017 season has already had a blow dealt to it in the fact that the school self-imposed a bowl ban for the season. That does not mean all is lost as there are still many intriguing things about this years Rebel squad. The talk of fall camp will mostly surround the abilities of new head coach Matt Luke and the rejuvenation of the landshark defense by new defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff.

Luke is a former Rebel himself (as is his father and brother) having played offensive line for the Rebels as a former walk-on. Luke was on Freeze’s staff as offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator since 2012. He is in an invaluable position as he gets a full 12-game tryout to have the interim title dropped from his title as head coach. An opportunity that not many interim coaches are afforded.

Expectations are obviously tempered in Oxford for this season. But that doesn’t mean that this team doesn’t have the opportunity to excel. Ole Miss will be able to play the role of spoiler this season as they cannot play for a bowl game themselves. They’ll be looking to show the nation that this team hasn’t lost its will to win and that the talent of the team and coaching staff can build towards a memorable 2018 season.