Ole Miss Football 2014 – Better, Worse or about the Same?

OFFENSE

I think overall, the offense will see an improvement from last year. Their biggest struggle right now is finding depth at the offensive line. The Rebels will possibly be losing one of our top recruits from 2013 – Austin Golson who might transfer to Auburn. But, they are hoping with a few talented recruits coming this fall like Fahn Cooper and Roderick Taylor, the offensive line will get that extra depth it needs.  

A lot of star players on offense  will be returning. Quarterback Bo Wallace will have his senior year and his arm strength is back. He is expected to have his best year.  

Laquon Treadwell was a top receiver in 2013. He was used as a slot receiver last year, but will be the deep threat this year, replacing Donte Moncrief.  

Ole Miss has a mixture of talent coming in at running back, so it will be interesting to see if the run game comes back as a factor. 

Mississippi WR Laquon Treadwell

DEFENSE 

The defense is what Ole Miss is most excited to see in 2014. It is expected to be really good. The team will see 2013 top recruit Robert Nkemdiche returning. Nkemdiche was rotated a lot from defense tackle and defensive end last year due to depth issues, so his real talent wasn’t really exposed. With more depth coming in those positions, he should have a great year.  

One of those players filling that depth is C.J. Johnson who missed out on much of 2013 due injuries. He led the team in tackles in 2012, so he will be an exciting player to watch.  

The team will have a lot of talent in the secondary. 2013 All-SEC Player Cody Prewitt who led the defense last year will be returning. 2013 recruit Tony Conner and 2014 recruit C.J. Hampton will be right behind Prewitt. They too, should make an impact in 2014.  

Serderius Bryant, a very talented linebacker, will also be returning. So in 2014, I believe the defense is going to be something Rebel fans have been waiting to see happen for a long time now. 

Will Mississippi be better, worse or about the same as last year? 

With all the returning talent on both sides of the ball this year, I believe it will be a disappointing season for most if this team goes 8-4 or 7-5 (or worse) in the regular season. A lot of sports networks, including us, are expecting this team to go 9-3 or maybe even 10-2.  

If Mississippi wants to compete for the SEC West, this is probably their year to make some noise. The schedule just setups for it and with top teams like Alabama and LSU looking for new talent the Rebels might just get that opportunity. 

Dave Bevan of Ole Hotty Toddy provided the information for our Ole Miss Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up. For more Ole Miss football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Dave on Twitter @OleHottyToddy.