Normally the same names pop up every year when talking about who will win the National Title, but one that people should not over look is Ole Miss. The SEC has been the dominant force when it comes to the College Football Playoffs and National Championships, with Alabama and Georgia always in the conversation, but with major conference adjustments and an unprecedented coaching carousel, the time is ripe for a change.
Ole Miss Coming Off a Big Season
Last year was a breakthrough season for the Running Rebs as they had their first 11 win season. This included key victories over LSU and Texas A&M, and culminated with a victory over Penn State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. With Coach Lane Kiffin entering his fourth season at the helm, it appears that Ole Miss has the stability as well as the firepower to make a serious run.
A Coaching Change Has Opened Possibilities
For years, Nick Saban and the Alabama program have cast a long shadow over the SEC. The juggernaut that the legendary coach created was unmatched anywhere. Whether it was in recruiting, game planning, or simply the intimidation factor, the Crimson Tide seemed like they had an open invitation into the playoffs every year, and more often than not, walked away with the trophy.
However, for the first time in 17 years, the presence of Saban marching the sidelines will not be there, and Alabama, while still major force on the gridiron, has some question marks. Kalen DeBoer was a great get for the Crimson Tide, but any time there is a change of such magnitude, there are going to be adjustments, and this is an opportune time that Ole Miss could take advantage of such a situation.
Ole Miss Returns Much of It Firepower
Perhaps no program in the country will be returning the level of proven veterans for the 2024 season then Ole Miss. Quarterback Jaxson Dart as reported by Matthew Brown of Grid Iron Heroics, will be back for his final year. His 2023 was a stellar campaign in which he completed 233 passes on 358 attempts, and delivered 23 touchdowns against 5 interceptions, on his way to leading his team to a 10-2 regular season record.
In addition, Dart’s key targets will return, including wide receiver Jordan Watkins who caught 53 passes for 741 yards. Also, highly touted tight end Caden Prieskorn, who had 30 catches for 449 yards, also announced his plans to return. Certainly there is a lot to look forward to on the offensive side of the ball, and there is a palpable excitement around the program as reported by Jordan Merritt of OleHottyTotty.
The Rebel Defense is Improved
Under first year defensive coordinator Pete Golding, there was marked improvement. Ole Miss allowed four less points a game then the previous season, holding teams to average of 21.8 points. This was good enough to place the Rebels as the number four defense in the SEC. With several additions on the defensive side, Ole Miss should have a very balanced team that cannot only hurt you on offense but contain opponents on defense as well.
The Rebels have a Favorable Schedule
Like every program vying for a national title, having a favorable schedule can go a long way in getting you there and Ole Miss has one of the better ones in the SEC. The Rebels will have a fairly easy go of it early on, as it is most likely that they will be double-digit favorites in their first six games. Their toughest first half of the season will be against the South Carolina Gamecocks on October 5th. This means that there is a good chance they will not have to risk their starters for the entire game in many of these first half of the season contests.
However, the second half of their season will be brutal. Facing first-year SEC member Oklahoma in Oxford on October 26th, should make for a true test. From there it will not get any easier as they will go against Arkansas in Fayetteville, followed by SEC powerhouse Georgia at home. Their season will finish against in-state rival Mississippi State.