2015 Auburn Football Schedule: Early Predictions

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Sep 27, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) receives a pass for a touchdown during the game against the Memphis Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels defeated the Memphis Tigers 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Returning Starters, Offense: 9
Returning Starters, Defense: 7
Points For: 28.3 PPG (70th nationally)
Passing: 263.6 YPG (38th nationally)
Rushing: 155.5 TPG (75th nationally)
Points Against: 16 PPG (1st nationally)

The 2014 season was one of tremendous highs for the Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebels defeated No. 1 Alabama at home, began the year 7-0 and rose as high as third in the AP Poll and fourth in the College Football Playoff rankings, and won the annual Egg Bowl 31-17.

Of course, there were also disappointing lows, including anemic offensive performances in a 10-7 loss to LSU in Baton Rouge as well as embarrassing performances against Arkansas (30-0) and against TCU in the Peach Bowl (42-3).

Ole Miss has the potential to also do both great things and disappoint again next year. The Rebels return nine starters on offense, including all five starters on the offensive line and All-American caliber wideout Laquon Treadwell, but linemen Aaron Morris, Laremy Tunsil and Treadwell must overcome major injuries.

Head coach Hugh Freeze must also replace the school’s all-time leader in total offense and three-year starting quarterback Bo Wallace, plus find someone to run the football. The defense should again be terrific, especially on the defensive line, but loses talented playmakers and leaders such as Cody Prewitt, D.T. Shackelford and Senquez Golson.

Overall, Ole Miss is a tough team to project at this point. They’ll be good, but probably won’t beat Auburn at home.

Next: Game 9: at Texas A&M

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