SEC Power Rankings: Can Auburn Claim The Top Spot?

Aug 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) throws the ball against the Boise State Broncos in the first quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ole Miss

Pre-Season Ranking: 5

Last Week: Beat Boise State 35-13

The Good: After a slow start, the Rebels exploded in the fourth quarter against Boise State with 28 points. The top performers were Laquan Treadwell and Cody Core, who both had more than 100 receiving yards. But the brightest spot was the defense, which was solid all game and should be the biggest reason for optimism moving forward. Ole Miss forced Boise State to turn the football over four times and made big hit after big hit against the Broncos.

The Bad: The Rebels threw for 387 yards, but had just 71 rushing yards. Mark Dodson was the team’s leading ground gainer with 27 yards on four carries. To make a jump in the SEC West, Ole Miss will need improve running the football.

The Ugly: Senior quarterback Bo Wallace was supposed to be a better quarterback in 2014, but he certainly didn’t show it in the first half Thursday. Wallace had three interceptions in the game’s first 30 minutes. Also, the Rebels had 14 penalties.

Next Week: at Vanderbit (LP Field)