2015 SEC West Division Preview

3. Ole Miss

The Rebels’ memorable 2014 season came off of the rails late, ending in a thrashing at the Peach Bowl delivered by TCU. The 42-3 loss was a painful way to end a season that at one time offered so much hope, but now it’s on to 2015.

Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss didn’t experience a ton of turnover from ’14 to ’15, but they will have to replace Cody Prewitt and Senquez Golson –two legitimate difference makers in the secondary. Dave Wommack is hoping that the addition of Tony Bridges – a 6’2 JUCO cornerback – will help Rebels’ fans forget about the departure of Golson. Tee Shepard should start opposite of Bridges, offering Wommack with another cornerback over six feet tall.

Along the defensive front, Robert Nkemdiche should lock down the interior. The Rebels will generate pressure using a variety of players including Marquis Haynes, Victor Evans and C.J. Johnson. Offensively, Hugh Freeze is hoping that he has found his Bo Wallace replacement in Clemson transfer Chad Kelly. DeVante Kincade and Ryan Buchanan are also in the mix. Whoever wins the job will have a potential top five selection in Laremy Tunsil protecting their blind side.

Jaylen Walton returns for his Senior season, figuring to be in for a big year at the running back position. Laquon Treadwell is still healing up from his ankle injury last season, but appears to be on track to return in the fall. Evan Engram returns to his tight end position, looking to build on his 600 yard season in 2014.

The Rebels get their early season test in Tuscaloosa this year, taking on Alabama. From there the schedule lightens up until Halloween – where they will take on Auburn on the plains. These are two critical games that Ole Miss needs to win to establish themselves as a national power.

Next: Texas A&M Aggies