2014
Ole Miss
College Football
Betting Preview
Odds and Schedule
Finishing tied for fifth in the SEC West wasn’t Hugh Freeze’s goals at the beginning of last year, but there’s not all that much to complain about if you look at Ole Miss’ losses. The Rebels fell to all the top teams in the SEC (outside of at Mississippi State) and beat LSU. This year, the expectations are higher once again as they are led by the most experienced quarterback in the conference.
The oddsmakers are certainly giving Ole Miss some respect. They are listed at odds of 45 to 1 to win the National Title, placing them 13th overall when using the odds as a ranking. Those odds can be found at 5 dimes sportsbook.
Bo Wallace may not be an NFL prospect, but at least he’s experienced. Wallace finished the regular season with zero touchdowns and Four interceptions, which led to two losses. That’s the kind of thing that can’t happen, but then you look at his 30-of-39 Game for 346 yards against LSU and see his potential. The Rebels can fight in the SEC West, only if Wallace improves his consistency and plays smarter.
Wallace loses Donte Moncrief at wideout, but LAquon Treadwell (72 receptions) can fill in on the outside and tight end Evan Engram is back from injury. Tailbacks Jaylen Walton and I’Tavius Mathers (combined 1,086 yards, nine TDs) return in the backfield and they should split time once again. The question will be on the offensive line where they lose three of last year’s starters. LAremy Tunsil is an all-Conference tackle and Aaron Morris returns from injury, but what about the other spots? With a top-10 recruiting class, the Rebels should be able to fill those in.
Defensively, the Rebels return 10 starters to a unit that was above average in the Conference last year. Injuries hit them greatly, but now they have a bit more depth, especially on the line. Robert Nkemdiche and Denzel Nkemdiche are going to be a handful for every offensive line in the conference. They also have experience in the secondary led by All-American safety Cody Prewitt.
This defense will keep this team in Games, it’s up to the offense to win them.
The Rebels start the season with a tough, but winnable Game against Boise State followed by three more Games they should win. That will lead to a possible undefeated home matchup with Alabama. The Crimson Tide will undoubtedly be favored, but if Bo Wallace shows any improvement at all in those first Games, expect a real battle.
The toughest remaining Game for Ole Miss will be against LSU, a team they beat last year and stayed tight with in previous matchups. Home Games against Auburn and Mississippi State highlight the final month.
Ole Miss has increased expectations again and if Wallace can become the quarterback fans are hoping for, this team could be looking at a 10-win season. While that seems like a tall task, this team should at least be able to top last year’s win total.
2014 Ole Miss Football Schedule
Aug. 28 vs. Boise State (in Atlanta)
Sep. 6 at Vanderbilt
Sep. 13 vs. Louisiana-LAfayette
Sep. 27 vs. Memphis
Oct. 4 vs. Alabama
Oct. 11 at Texas A&M
Oct. 18 vs. Tennessee
Oct. 25 at Louisiana State
Nov. 1 vs. Auburn
Nov. 8 vs. Presbyterian
Nov. 22 at Arkansas
Nov. 29 vs. Mississippi State