Is Ole Miss a contender? These five questions will decide the answer

Published Jun. 22, 2015 4:02 p.m. ET

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The Ole Miss Rebels head into 2015 in somewhat uncharted territory, as some see the team as potential SEC favorites. Considering the Rebels haven't won the league title since 1963, the expectations heading into the season are exciting for a fan base hungry to finally recapture the league championship.

However, despite the expectations, major questions do exist for the team heading into the season. The Clarion Ledger recently broke down the five biggest questions facing the team as the season nears a start.

Will Robert Nkemdiche breakout?

While Nkemdiche's stats fail to standout on paper - 33 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks last season - the former number one overall prospect impacts the game on such a high level by occupying opposing offensive linemen and attention on nearly every snap he is in the game. Nkemdiche will be a junior in what could be his last season in Oxford this year. Will he continue the progression of his development and take the next step in his game to become a JJ Watt-level nightmare for SEC offenses?

Who steps up in the middle of the defense?

Gone are three linebackers from last year's defense and former defensive end C.J. Johnson has been moved to middle linebacker to strengthen the unit. Denzel Nkemdiche, Robert's brother, played well last season at linebacker but is coming off a fractured ankle suffered against LSU. How well Denzel recovers could determine whether the linebackers are a strength or weakness in 2015.

Who will start at quarterback?

That's the million-dollar question in Oxford right now. Will it be JUCO transfer Chad Kelly, sophomore Ryan Buchanan or DeVante Kincade? Whichever player the Rebels name the starter will have an enormous amount of pressure on his shoulders following the oft criticized, but highly productive career of Bo Wallace.

Can Ole Miss win on the road?

Trips to Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Mississippi State loom large this season. The Tide will be looking for payback for last season, Auburn won a heartbreaker in Oxford a year ago, the Swamp is always an intimidating place to play regardless of the talent on the roster for the Gators and the Egg Bowl was been won by the home team in four consecutive seasons. The Rebels will have to win at least two of these to win the SEC, and may have to win three to seriously be in contention down the stretch.

Will the offensive line progress?

The Ole Miss line was a debacle in the Peach Bowl and of course they lost their best player, Laremy Tunsil, to a fractured leg in that game. Is it realistic to think he will be as highly a productive player right away coming off such an injury? How long until five-star freshman Javon Patterson sees the field? Having an unsettled offensive line and inexperience at quarterback can be a recipe for disaster, how will the Rebels manage?

(h/t Clarion Ledger)