Ole Miss Football vs UT-Martin: 3 Bold Predictions

3. Defense forces three turnovers

The nickname “Landshark” hasn’t been heard in Oxford for a few years now. Ole Miss has lost a good amount of their key pieces that had once made them a defensive force in the SEC. This year’s squad isn’t expected to be stellar, but if they’re going to be any better than the 2016 group they need to find a way to get the football.

Ole Miss finished 95th in the nation last year in terms of total turnovers forced. They turned their opponents over 16 times in 12 games. In an opening weekend victory over South Alabama they did not record any turnovers.

The defensive start can go one of two ways. Either the Rebels pack it in and don’t threaten anyone down the road, especially in the SEC West, or they keep tinkering until they find a scheme or plan that makes this work. Since it’s so early in the season we’re going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Ole Miss uses defensive pressure up front to make Skyhawk quarterback Troy Cook uncomfortable all game long. The Rebels pick up a couple sacks. and at least for one day, look like the pieces might be coming together on defense.