Last Year: 4-8 (2-6 SEC)Fans Are: The classiest tailgaters in the SEC and very little else. If you've never been to The Grove on gameday, it's certainly a sight to see, but the Rebels have been one of the SEC's worst teams since Eli Manning left in 2003. That season was something of a flash in the pan, however, and in a conference full of insufferable fans, the only ones that generally complain about the Ole Miss faithful are from a short jaunt down the road in Starkville.
Expectations: Zero. In 2006 the Rebels were, to put it kindly, not very good. Their most impressive game, by far, was a 3-point loss to LSU late in the season that the Vegas odds-makers thought would be a 27-point rout. That game also makes a strong case for "most impressive performance" by an Ole Miss team stretching back to 2003 when Manning lead the Rebels to a 20-17 win over #17 ranked Florida. Suffice it to say, the Rebels do not expect to be in the hunt for the top half of the SEC West this year, let alone a division or conference title.
Questions:
1. Can QB Brent Schaeffer throw more touchdowns than interceptions this year?
Let's hope so. Last year Schaeffer threw 10 picks but only 9 touchdowns including a 3-interception day against Missouri. There was a lot of hope for Schaeffer when he transferred in from Tennessee, but he spent most of his first season with the Rebels throwing to the wrong color jersey and getting sacked. This year he's had a bit of time in the system, the offensive line should see some improvements, and the Rebels are returning 10 offensive starters, so Schaeffer's numbers should go up. If they don't, look for Coach O to pull him early in the season.
