Published November 4, 2010 - 6:00am
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The Rebels’ season isn’t over just yet, with games left against LSU, Tennessee and Mississippi State – and hopefully it will be a thrilling finish. However, 2010 hasn’t gone the way Ole Miss wanted it to, starting with a first game loss to Jacksonville State, currently being dead last in the SEC West and winning only one game in the SEC so far this year.
Jeremiah Masoli, and other Rebels, have had a few good games where they broke out as contenders. Mistakes were the keys to many losses, and the lack of defensive turnovers paints a pretty clear picture for the defense this year. Jerrell Powe and Kentrell Lockett were supposed to shine on the defensive line, stopping any rushes and making plays in the backfield. However, Lockett has had injury problems and is out for the season after he was injured in the Fresno State game. Powe hasn’t really been the factor he once was in past years. The secondary is also young. There is no need to rejoice in the offensive or defensive sides of the ball this season.
A look into next season will present a maturing defensive secondary; however, losses to two key members on the defensive line will be tough to fill. The quarterback position will once again be vacant for the Rebels, as Masoli moves on. Once again, Nathan Stanley will try to step up in his senior year and lead the Rebels in 2011. The Rebels did have some “unknowns” shine this year in Jeff Scott and Melvin Harris. With the return of Brandon Bolden for his senior year, the tandem of Scott and Bolden should make for a stout ground game for the Rebels. Wide receivers Jesse Grandy and Melvin Harris will make good targets for Nathan Stanley. The Rebel offense shouldn’t be too bad for next season. The defense will need work, but with a coach like Houston Nutt, I’m sure all will be well for the Rebels in 2011.
The rebuilding process will be long and hard for Coach Nutt; however, he has produced great NFL-style players in the past, and recruiting should be excellent for the season to come next fall.
Should Ole Miss start the rebuilding process with such a disappointing season so far in 2010?
