Ole Miss Football Predictions 2009

Written June 12, 2009 by InfoPlays

2009-ole-miss-football-predictions Head coach Houston Nutt has already changed the mindset of this team in his first year on the job. The Ole Miss Rebels went 9-4 last season, winning their final 6 games including a triumph over Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. The Rebels were the only team in the country to beat the defending champion Florida Gators, and they did it down in the Swamp. Ole Miss is now experiencing expectations that haven’t been seen around Oxford in years, and figures to be a real factor in the race for the SEC West title. Depth remains a concern, especially on the offensive line. If you think the Rebels have a chance at winning the 2010 NCAA Championship, you can bet them right now at +2000 odds.

Offense: Most of the playmakers return from an offense that averaged more than 32 points/game last season. Leading the way at QB is Jevan Snead, who threw for 2,762 yards and 26 touchdowns to only 13 interceptions in his first season with the Rebels since transferring from Texas. The Rebels return their top four running backs, each of which rushed for at least 240 yards last season. Sophomore Brandon Bolden rushed for 542 yards as a true freshman and separated himself from the pack in the spring.

Anchoring the receiving unit are seniors Dexter McCluster and Shay Hodge. McCluster is only 5-8, 165 points, but he plays much, much bigger. He rushed for 655 yards and six touchdowns while catching 44 passes for 625 yards and a touchdown last season. He’s the key in their “Wild Rebel” direct-snap formation. Hodge led the team with eight touchdown grabs. Three veterans return on the offensive line in guard Reid Neely, center Daverin Geralds and right tackle John Jerry. They must find a replacement for All-American left tackle Michael Oher. Sophomore Bradley Sowell is the top candidate.

If you are going to bet NCAA football this season, we’ve got a way for you to get an additional $500 to bet with. Just open a new account at BetUS, deposit at least $500, and BetUS will match it. Just don’t forget to tell them Betfirms sent you!

Defense: The Rebels’ strength on defense remains their front four, even with the departure of All-American defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Greg Hardy, Kentrell Lockett, Marcus Tilllman, Lawon Scott, Ted Laurent, Jerrel Powe and Emmanuel Stephens all return from a line that helped the Rebels tie for the nation’s lead in tackles for loss with 111. Ole Miss looks to be in good shape at linebacker. Senior Patrick Trahan and juniors Jonathan Cornell and Allen Walker will all start after contributing mightily last season. Coaches are most impressed with Trahan, who had 29 tackles in limited time last season.

Ole Miss returns three starters in the secondary, but that’s not all good news here. The Rebels ranked last in the SEC in passing defense last year, giving up better than 221 yards/game through the air. Safety Kendrick Lewis returns after leading the team in tackles with 85 last season. He also contributed 4 interceptions, while seniors Cassius Vaughn and Marshay Green will start again at the corner spots and will each be looking to make bigger contributions in ‘09.

Be sure you get back here in the fall for the best NCAA football picks you’ll find anywhere in the world. You’ll also be able to check live college football odds every day of every week from the top online sportsbooks.

Betfirms’ handicappers provide winning college football picks all season long.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

Got something to say?