Nov 28, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) advances the ball 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. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
5. Ole Miss
Last Season: 8-5 (3-5)
The Good: Bo Wallace is the most experienced quarterback in the Southeastern Conference. He will be protected by left tackle Laremy Tunsil, one of the best in the nation, and throw to Laquan Treadwell, who just might be the best receiver in the SEC. Plus, the Rebels are very strong on defense and possess one of the best defensive backfields in college football.
The Bad: The biggest question mark for the Rebels entering 2014 is the offensive line. Tunsil is a rock at left tackle, but the rest of the group is much more suspect, and depth is a major issue. The Rebels can make plays offensively, but they’ll need time for Wallace to throw, and holes for the running backs to hit.
The Ugly: As good as Wallace can be (3,346 passing yards in 2013), he has a way of losing the football at the most inopportune times. Last season’s Egg Bowl could be used as the prime example. Wallace threw three of his ten interceptions against the hated Bulldogs, and then ran for what appeared to be the tying touchdown in overtime, only to fumble the ball and seal the defeat.
Position-By-Position Ranking (Out of 14 SEC Teams)
Quarterbacks – 2nd
Running Backs – 13th
Wide Receivers – 6th
Tight Ends – 4th
Betsided
Tackles – 8th
Guards – 7th
Centers – 12th
Total Offense – 6th
Defensive Ends – 9th
Defensive Tackles – 5th
Outside Linebackers – 4th
Inside Linebackers – 9th
Cornerbacks – 5th
Safeties – 1st
Total Defense – 6th
Kickers – 11th
Punters – 13th
Kick Returners – 12th
Punt Returners – 11th
Head Coach – 7th
Offensive Coordinator/Play-Caller – 11th
Defensive Coordinator/Play-Caller – 8th
Experience – 4th
Schedule – 9th