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We have a lot of fun with the predictions thread on here from week to week through the season.
But trying to look out over 12 games and make a prediction is far more difficult than from September through November when a body of work is becoming known.
With the “Reasons” series I have brought out a number of ways that Ole Miss will be better, and if all of those reasons play out, the Rebels will be much better.
The problem is that's not how things happen, and when I attach my name to something I usually lean to the conservative side.
I can see this Ole Miss team getting to six or seven wins, but a lot of things have to happen along the way.
There seems to be a belief in the BYU zip codes that the Cougars are going to come in and steamroll Ole Miss Saturday. I don't believe that's going to happen. BYU may win the game, but I think the Ole Miss secondary will show improvement, the defense overall will tackle better and show more fight.
Winning against BYU would be a great beginning, but if Ole Miss loses it isn't the end. Still, if the Rebels are going to have a realistic chance at a bowl game, they need to start 3-1. They have to beat Southern Illinois and Vanderbilt – a team they haven't beaten enough recently – and they have to at least split with BYU and Fresno on a very challenging road trip.
It's doable.
They need to rekindle the road magic they had in 2008, Houston Nutt's first season, and win at Kentucky and Auburn.
If they only split those games on back to back weekends Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, they they better have already won against Arkansas at home.
LSU is in late November as always. The Rebels typically are competitive against LSU regardless of circumstances. LSU has been mentioned prominently in national championship discussions this year, but in truth, with the distractions around the program right now, the Tigers may already be showing their body of work for the season.
The Egg Bowl won't be the dog walk that many MSU fans believe it will be. State will see more fire from the Rebels than it has seen in recent seasons.
I will predict six wins here on the belief that more “reasons” the Rebels need for improvement will happen than ones that don't.
Some of these heralded freshmen and junior college transfers will play like seasoned sophomores. That's a must.
A leader needs to emerge at quarterback, and key players absolutely must avoid injury.
There you have it. The road to six wins and bowl-eligibility for Ole Miss.
We'll get a BYU prediction thread going this Thursday. Leave your season predictions and your logic below.
Georgia is predicted by most to win the east, but the game is early in the season, we may have some momentum going into it to give us a shot? maybe
FSU scares me the most. It is one of the games we have to win to make it to the B word.
Dos, thanks for the cheering thing update, and no it won't ever happen, but I have heard of wearing red to every game. PA does a great job, but I hope the Journal will print the "dress code" if it is true.
Guess it's that time again; a time for cooking out and screaming at the tv. LOL. I just got my Fresno Tix in the mail yesterday and I am pumped to see my REBELS play here in California. I have been thoroughly impressed with the talent that has been recruited since last season. I truly believe the mighty Rebs will be much improved this year, if nothing else, to save someone from the hot seat. I do, however, see some problems that still linger. I saw a post from a group on FB called "Ole Miss Natl Champ" and they have posted a video of "How Ole Miss fans should cheer this year." I for one have never had any problem cheering or letting anyone know which side I was on. But, just the thought of someone telling fans what cheers they should do and when, I just can't see that working out with the stuff they have chosen. I could be wrong but I don't see OM people locking arms and swaying back and forth before the game. Most OM fans are apprehensive to cheer loudly, much less complete a line dance. Baptist are not known for their rhythm. There is just too much stuff to remember, a different chant for every down whether on offense or defense. So, that's basically 8 chants, plus Hotty Toddy chant, a new mascot that is not widely popular, a dance or whatever you call that, they want you to wear red, and be at the game 40 minutes early (this will never happen as long as alcohol is in existence). Southern people like to eat and drink drink and drink, and talk and talk and talk. You have to make sure your buzz is just right to enjoy the game (we can't afford to lose a party).
All-in-all, I think the Rebels win 9 games if the team is one heartbeat. Meaning everyone is on the same page and there is no drama. It is easy to spot the greatness potential of these young men with the credentials they bring. They almost look like Auburn last year, but with a few more weapons. Drama and how players react to the inevitable negativity coming from fans on the changes in mascots and cheers. A win against TSDS is a must this year....I don't know if PA knows this or not, but it is an unwritten rule that you can't lose 3 in a row to TSDS without a firing. (The same rule applies down there these days...just ask Coach Croom).
Good luck to my Rebels, I hope one day before I die I can see em' play in a Natl Title game. Anything is possible, if you just believe.
Peace,
Dos Chi Chis
JB
Have not blogged in awhile but read everyday. Life and this economy keep you busy. Have a son that types a few words on here so we are, along with JB holding down the fort in Florida. Speaking of, JB I'm sorry to hear about the stroke and I hope you continue to move forward in recovery. You're a staple on this blog and I look forward to many more post. God's speed.
I will rate Ole Miss as follows: Average, six wins, lucky bounce, seven wins, off the charts, eight wins. I too, don't buy into BYU stomping Rebel Black Bear. The Mormons have trouble with big offensive lines and speed and I don't believe they have seen either in quite awhile. Will see. Its football season and look forward to all that is the blog.
My best to all.