2008 Ole Miss College Football Picks & Predictions
Ole Miss laid a goose egg in the SEC last season with a 0-8 mark and the Rebs managed just three wins on the season. There is reason to look up though as former Arkansas head man Houston Nutt has taken over the head coaching duties. He should have this team performing better in year one. Find out how much Jimmy Boyd thinks the Rebs will improve in his 2008 Ole Miss Rebels predictions and season preview.
Offense
QB Jevan Snead transferred to Ole Miss from Texas after being beaten out by Colt McCoy. He appears to be just the guy to lead the Rebels’ rebuilding project under the experienced Nutt. Nutt is known for the running schemes he put together at Arkansas, but he’s said that he’s willing to adapt for his talented signal caller. And he’ll have to as the running back position poses some questions. Junior Cordera Eason will likely get the first crack at the starting spot. But if Eason struggles, don’t be surprised if Nutt turns to top prep school recruit freshman Enrique Davis. The good news for Snead is that he will have plenty of veteran options to throw to. Mike Wallace, Shay Hodge, and Dexter McCluster are all proven. Expect McCluster to be used in a variety of ways, like Nutt used Darren McFadden at Arkansas. Wallace is the big play guy. He caught 38 passes for 716 yards and six touchdowns last season. Hodge caught a team-high 43 balls for six touchdowns also. Snead can also take comfort in the line returning four starters, including left tackle Michael Oher who’s an elite NFL prospect.
Defense
This side of the ball needs some work, but with eight starters returning we should see some improvements. The Rebs ranked next to last in the SEC allowing more than 28 points per game last season. Fortunately, the strength of the defense is the line. Senior tackle Peria Jerry is an animal at times. He had 58 stops last season including 14 for loss and 3.5 sacks. Junior end Greg Hardy had 10 sacks but is known to take plays off. If Nutt can get him to work hard, he could emerge as one of the best pass rushers in the conference. The questions start to mount behind the talented line. Starting linebackers Ashlee Palmer and Tony Fein return, but I question their speed and playmaking ability. The secondary has very little depth which figures to be a problem. Senior safety Jamarca Sanford is solid, but the other spots are currently filled by mediocre players.
Special Teams
Kicker Joshua Shene has to get his legs healthy. Injuries hampered him last season, but he was still able to make 11 of 17 field goals so there is some promise. Kickoff coverage was terrible for the Rebels last season. They allowed there opponents to start with great field position all too often.
Prediction – 5th in SEC West
The transfer of Snead and landing Houston Nutt instantly raises the expectations and I don’t think either will disappoint. The Rebs won’t be shut out in the SEC this season and if they take care of business in non-conference play, they could challenge for a bowl. They are going to find themselves in the back of the pack behind LSU, Auburn, Alabama, and Mississippi State, but better than Arkansas.
Check out all of Jimmy Boyd’s college football predictions articles to get a head start on the 2008 season. You can count on Jimmy to provide the most consistent college football picks all season long at an affordable price. Check out one of Jimmy’s low cost premium packages today and start winning with your football betting!
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