A lot of folks have helped get the Ole Miss Rebels in position to contend for the 2009 Southeastern Conference title.
Former head man Ed Orgeron stockpiled quality players. Former Texas Longhorn Jevan Snead has solidified the quarterback situation since transferring to Oxford. Former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt taught the Rebels to win last fall. Perhaps the key figure in Ole Miss’ quest for a league title, however, is the schedule-maker.
Consider:
The Rebels’ non-conference schedule for 2009 consists of Memphis (6-7 last fall) and Alabama Birmingham (4-8), plus TWO teams from the Football Championship Subdivision – Southeastern Louisiana (5-7) and Northern Arizona (6-5). Playing at Memphis in Game 1 makes that contest at least a little challenging but Nutt’s boys can win the other three just by showing up.
Secondly, Ole Miss manages to avoid the projected top two teams from the SEC East, Florida and Georgia. Instead, the Rebels’ three non-divisional foes will be Tennessee, South Carolina and Vanderbilt.
Scout.com
6/1/9
Magnolia Tribune
