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Ole Miss Football: Will Rebels end bowl-less streak in 2019?

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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OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 15: Damien Harris #34 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball as Mohamed Sanogo #46 of the Mississippi Rebels defends during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 15: Damien Harris #34 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball as Mohamed Sanogo #46 of the Mississippi Rebels defends during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Can defense appear for first time since 2016?

Defense. It’s whats been missing at Ole Miss since 2016. The scheme, the defensive coordinator, it just never worked. In comes Mike MacIntyre as the new defensive coordinator and he is installing the 3-4 defense for even more change. It’s a welcome change. The Ole Miss defensive players are tired of hearing about how bad they are. They’re ready to prove naysayers wrong.

Despite the results in recent years, there is talent on this defense. Benito Jones, Tariqious Tisdale, Austrian Robinson and Josiah Coatney provide great defensive line play and former defensive end Qaadir Sheppard is now playing at outside linebacker and looks to be poised to have a breakout year.

The linebackers, once the definite weakness, are now a strength. Led by MoMo Sanogo (112 tackles last season) and newcomers Sam Williams and former No. 1 JUCO linebacker, Lakia Henry. Charles Wiley and Willie Hibbler can provide quality backup play at linebacker as well.

Ole Miss has quality players at the corner positions including Myles Hartsfield and Jaylon Jones. The latter was injured in last year’s season opener and the defense suffered from it. He’s an invaluable member of the secondary. Sophomore Keidron Smith played as a true freshman and he’ll be the third corner on the field when needed.

Safety is another spot like offensive line that has depth and experience concerns. Jalen Julius is returning from injury as well but is still expected to be No. 1 at free safety. Jonathan Haynes will man the strong safety position.

In short, this defense has nowhere to go but up and an upgrade in coaching has to pay dividends. This defense has been criticized for the past two seasons, much of it deserved, but they finally look like they can turn a corner and be more than serviceable in 2019.

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