SEC Preview: Ole Miss Rebels

The expectations are very high in Oxford during Houston Nutt's second year as head coach of the Rebels. Though Ole Miss has never made it to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship Game, the Rebels are expecting big things in 2009.

Junior quarterback Jevan Snead returns after a strong finish to the 2008 season. Snead, who transferred from Texas after losing the QB battle with Heisman hopeful Coly McCoy, is probably the SEC's best pure quarterback (not a knock on Tebow, but Snead's game translates better on the next level). Senior wide receiver Dexter McCluster also returns as the Reb's top playmaker. McCluster is a do-it-all type guy (who has earned comparison to Florida's Percy Harvin) who was in the top 10 in rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards, as well as all-purpose yards in the SEC. Another weapon on offense is senior wide out Shay Hodge who is the SEC's active leader in receptions, yards and TD's.

Ole Miss should be nasty on defense with the return of defensive end Greg Hardy. Hardy battled injuries last season but still managed to earn 8.5 sacks and is constantly giving offensive coordinators headaches. Hardy's return, along with the fact that the Rebels boasted the nations fourth best rush defense in 2008, means that Ole Miss should be solid on defense.

Senior kicker Josh Shene has been a reliable player for the Rebels and should continue to be so this year. Return specialist Marshay Green will be back to field punts after a mediocre year in 2008. Special teams should not be an issue for the Rebels, but is still probably the weakest part of their game, outside of placekicker.

The Rebel's schedule is set up nicely with most of the tougher games at home (including Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU). The Reb's open the year with a road game at Memphis which should result in an easy win. It is never easy to win on the road in the SEC, but Ole Miss doesn't necessarily have the biggest home field advantage at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (capacity just over 60,000). I expect to see a few home losses throughout the season but the potential is there for the Rebels to contend for the SEC West title.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 11-1

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 7-5

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 9-3 (5-3), tied for 3rd in the SEC West.