Last Season: 8-4, 5-3
Coaches Poll: 10
It took a while, but Jevan Sneed has finally found a home.
While Sneed may be a household name this coming season, he is only a few years removed from not being able to find a home.
The quarterback started his college career with every intention of being a Gator. After committing to Florida , Sneed quickly realized that his chance of playing there were slim. Another recruit by the name of Tim Tebow had decided to head towards the swamp as well. Knowing full well that Tebow was one of the best recruits in the nation, Sneed quickly bagged that idea.
The next stop was the lone star state. Sneed spent the 2006 season at Texas , hoping to compete for the starting job. But he quickly realized that beating out Colt McCoy was almost surely an impossibility.
But its true what they say. The third time is a charm. He finally settled on Ole Miss and is thriving after some early struggles. Since his first season running the rebels, Sneed has learned how to manage a game better and not force throws into bad spots. Last season, Sneed only completed 56% of his passes. But he threw 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While his accuracy needs to get better, I think that Sneed will have a breakout season as he further strengthens his NFL draft stock.
And for Ole Miss to have the kind of big success that they want, Sneed will have to be exceptional. His main target will be the versatile Dexter McCluster. McCluster is the kind of player that can do anything and everything. Last season, he led the Rebels in rushing with 665 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also led the team in receiving, raking in 44 passes for 625 yards and one touchdown. Because McCluster is one of only six returning starters, he will be relied upon heavily.
If defenses can contain Sneed and zero in on McCluster, Ole Miss might have some troubles offensively. But somehow, I don’t see that happening.
Defensively is where the improvement will have to come for Mississippi . Their trouble defensively existed primarily in the secondary. Ole Miss finished last in the SEC against the pass, allowing over 221 air yards per game. That obviously needs to improve, and I think it will.
For the Ole Miss fan looking for optimism regarding the defense, look no further than the last six games of last season. After falling just short of a magical comeback against Alabama , Ole Miss allowed just over 12 points per game for the rest of the year. The eight returning defensive starters should build on this and have a much better year in 2009.
Watch out for defensive end Greg Hardy to have a big year. Hardy, who had a nasty habit of taking plays off, has reportedly improved his work ethic and will be more consistent. With Kendrell Lockett, Ted Laurent, Lawson Scott, and Jerome Powe, this defense suddenly has depth.
Consistency will be the name of the game for Ole Miss this season. The team pulled off huge wins against Florida , LSU and Texas Tech, but struggled in bad losses to Vanderbilt and South Carolina . In the loss to Alabama , Ole Miss let up 24 first half points and lost 24-20.
I think Mississippi takes a step forward this year and is a serious contender in the SEC west. Alabama strikes me as very beatable. This will be the year of Ole Miss.
3 Games To Watch
October 10th- Alabama- After what will presumably be a big time revenge win against Vanderbilt on October 3rd, Alabama will be Ole Miss' first test in the SEC. Alabama has won five straight games between the two teams, including last years 24-20 'Bama win.
November 14th- Tennessee- The beginning of the hardest two week stretch on the schedule for Ole Miss. By this time, they should be fully entrenched in the SEC West race. They will need momentum going into the showdown with LSU.
November 21st- LSU- This game should be a winner take all showdown for the SEC West. The winner of this one gets the right to loose to Florida in the SEC Championship game.
Jordan Lauterbach
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