Nov 28, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels helmet during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs defeat the Mississippi Rebels with a score of 17-10 in overtime. Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
3. Ole Miss Rebels (8-5 Last Season)
The Rebels seem to be everyone’s surprise pick this year, and I have seen a few writers predicting the Rebels to upset the Tide in Oxford. I’m not ready to buy in to the hype just yet, but I did put them as number three in this ranking.
Last season, the Rebels offense netted 473 yards and 30 points per game, but were held scoreless against the Tide in Tuscaloosa. Quarterback Bo Wallace returns under center, bringing experience to the position as well as a 65 percent completion rate. The offensive line for Ole Miss will be inexperienced and will only return two starters. Reception leader Laquon Treadwell also returns, but the Rebels will miss Donte Moncrief.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Rebels will return nine starters. Last season, that unit allowed 24 points and 370 yards per game. Notable returners include linebacker Serderius Bryant (led the team in tackles with 78 and 12.5 tackles for losses), safety Cody Prewitt (First Team Pre-season All-SEC, 71 tackles, six interceptions and two forced fumbles), defensive back Tony Conner (66 tackles, interception), and defensive backTrae Elston (62 tackles).
The Rebels will get the Tide after a bye week, two weeks after the Florida game. Can the Rebels catch Alabama sleeping and take the next step to become elite, or will it be more of the same?