5/31 Blog - Analyzing the Ole Miss Schedule

CFN Blog - Analyzing and breaking down the Ole Miss schedule

By Guinn Terry Davis

Rebels 2010 Schedule Similar to 2009...More or Less

In 2009, the Rebels were highly picked in the preseason, largely in part to the ease in their strength of schedule. This year's schedule promises to be somewhat similar to last year's, as Ole Miss should clean up in the non-conference schedule with opponents such as Tulane, Louisiana-Lafayette and Jacksonville State. The only tough non-conference opponent the Rebels face is Fresno State, who visits Oxford on September 25th. The Rebels can win this game, but it certainly won't be a walk in the park.

The SEC schedule is a horse of a different color. Last year, Ole Miss had Alabama and LSU coming to Oxford. This year, the situation has been reversed. Two tough road games like these will have Ole Miss wishing they had an experienced quarterback returning to the helm. However, LSU has struggled in the last several years, and there is no indication they will be significantly better this year, giving the Rebels a decent shot at winning in Baton Rouge. However, it will be a tall order for a victory in Tuscaloosa.

The SEC home games in Oxford this year include Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Auburn and Kentucky. While there is no such thing as an easy win in the SEC, the only formidable match in this line-up, based on last year's results, would be Auburn. Look for Ole Miss to take at least three of these games, and a toss-up match against the Tigers from the Plains.

The remainder of the Ole Miss away games are more of a mystery than any other part of the Rebel's schedule. Arkansas is will be seasoned with Ryan Mallett back, which presents a strong possibility for defeat for the Rebels. In years past, Tennessee would have posed a similar threat. However, the Volunteers' football program is in disarray with the premature departure of Lane Kiffin, making them susceptible to defeat.

As for the Rebels themselves, the spring proved that the defense will be solid once again this year. On the offensive side of the ball, redshirt quarterback Raymond Cotton demonstrated that he possesses talent, but experience is almost always a necessity to win a championship in the SEC. If the Rebels had an experienced quarterback coming back this year, there would be more reason for optimism in Oxford. As it stands now, though, Ole Miss is likely to win seven games this year, with the chance for an additional upset or two.