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Ole Miss Football: 5 Bold predictions in October

By Hunter Kinniburgh

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Matt Luke of the Mississippi Rebels takes the field before a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Matt Luke of the Mississippi Rebels takes the field before a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Rebel defense makes significant improvements

Now, this honestly might be the boldest bold prediction on this list. The Rebel defense has been good and bad in spurts this season. They did enough in the first two wins. Then they looked pretty improved against Cal. Then they had no answers against Alabama.

So what gives me the thought that the Ole Miss defense can improve? Honestly it’s the talent. There is talent in spots on that defense. The defensive line and secondary in particular. They all just have to stop thinking and just react. The defensive line could be one of the best in the SEC if they just got after the quarterback more. The offensive lines they’ll face in October aren’t exactly the best, the exception being Auburn.

I look for defensive ends Marquis Haynes and Breeland Speaks to show out in these next four games. They simply have to, they are the leaders and they have to make their presence known. Linebacker is the weak point of the defense but it can be serviceable.

The secondary has all kinds of potential, they’re mostly just young players (sophomores). The more the season progresses, the better I see them getting. Cornerback Myles Hartfield almost had a picksix against Alabama early in the game. The talent is there, they just have to execute. Not to mention the Rebel defense won’t be facing exactly “top tier” quarterbacks and offenses outside of, you guessed it, Auburn.

All of the other teams they’ll face have struggled at times on offense this year. It could be the perfect storm of teams that helps the Rebel defense breaks out this month; either way, I think they improve.

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