Ole Miss Football: Game-by-game predictions for Rebels in 2017
The picture above speaks for itself. South Alabama beat Mississippi State last season, and surely the Ole Miss football players will be reminded of that fact many times before this game starts. The Jaguars proved that they can hold their own against SEC competition. But this Rebels squad will be at a different place in this game than their counterparts from Mississippi State were at when they played South Alabama a year ago.
Ole Miss has to come out in this game and make a statement. A statement has to be made by the players, by the new offensive and defensive coordinators and the new head coach. That Ole Miss isn’t dead and buried by off the field issues. That the team is still here and ready to play. The Rebels also won’t be breaking in a brand new quarterback like Mississippi State was against South Alabama, either.
The Ole Miss offense should be the show stealer in this game as the offense has numerous weapons. It will also be an opportunity for running back Jordan Wilkins to establish himself in the run game after sitting out all of 2016; he’ll be one to watch. This game also serves as a momentum builder for the defense. Come out strong, fly around and create turnovers. That is all DC Wesley McGriff wants.
Expect the Rebels to score points early and often. The defense might bend a little at some point and give USA life, but not enough for the Jaguars to win.