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Questions that need Answers for Ole Miss Football
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) runs with the ball during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Ole Miss is primed and ready to contend for a SEC West title. However, there are some questions that need to be settled in Orlando.
Every team in college football comes into a season with questions. Some have more than others. In the case of Alabama, they always seemingly have answers. For Ole Miss to finally overtake Alabama in the SEC West, there are a few questions that need to be settled on Monday night in Orlando against Florida State.
Sep 6, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Rod Taylor (73) celebrates after a touchdown during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at LP Field. Mississippi won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Who will Step Up at Left Tackle?
After the loss of first round pick Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss has been searching to find his replacement in the spring and during fall camp. The hope was for freshman Greg Little to solidify the left side of the line, but it appears it is junior Rod Taylor’s to lose.
Taylor has all the physical tools but he will need to pick up the mental part of the game to be truly successful. If Taylor can be serviceable at the left tackle spot it will make the offense much more explosive.
Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Akeem Judd (21) runs the ball during the game against the LSU Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17.Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Who Will Replace the Carries for Wilkins?
Jordan Wilkins was expected to carry a large share of the load at running back for Ole Miss this season. That was until he became academically ineligible. Akeem Judd would have gotten his fair share of carries regardless, but now the weight of the running game is on his shoulders.
Perhaps the biggest bump will be for redshirt freshman Eric Swinney. Rebel fans were hoping Swinney would break out this season and serve as a complimentary back. But with the loss of Wilkins, he is needed to at least be serviceable for Ole Miss.
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Mike Hilton (38) huddles up with teammates before the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Will the Freshmen be able to Replace Hilton and Elston?
One of the areas of concern for Ole Miss coming into this year is the safety position. You could always count on Mike HIlton and Trae Elston not blowing an assignment. This year the Rebels will lean on freshmen Myles Hartsfield, Deontay Anderson and Zedrick Woods.
Hilton played a lot of positions in the secondary and Ole Miss will definitely miss his versatility back there. It is time for C.J. Hampton to also play a critical role and be a leader in the defensive backfield.
The front seven on the defense looks to be solid, but that play can be negated if the secondary does not adequately replace both Hilton and Elston.
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