What constitutes a successful and a disappointing season is very different in the SEC. Now, it’s also different in Oxford, where Hugh Freeze and the Rebels have been raising the bar lately.

Here’s a look at a few of the best and worst scenarios for Ole Miss this fall.

Dream: The Rebels start the season 4-0. Considering they have arguably the country’s toughest first month of the season, that start would include a Labor Day win over Florida State in Orlando, a breather five days later against Wofford and back-to-back home wins against Alabama and Georgia. None of those are guaranteed obviously, especially with the Rebels working out a new offensive line, but even if they win in Orlando, angry Alabama is looking to avenge back-to-back losses. If Ole Miss starts 4-0, the Rebels could host Memphis on Oct. 1 as the No. 1 team in the country.

Disaster: A loss to Florida State to open the season would be OK. It’s early, which means it’s forgivable and it isn’t an SEC loss. However, back-to-back losses at home to Alabama and Georgia all but ends hopes for Atlanta. Even losing one of the two means must-wins down the road at LSU and at Texas A&M. Not fair, but the SEC West isn’t fair.

Dream: The Rebels win the SEC West and make it to Atlanta. Not making it would be a disaster for the Alabamas of the world, but Ole Miss has yet to go, making that a goal before quarterback Chad Kelly’s goal of winning a national championship is possible. Ole Miss on paper looks like it will have a chance to make the playoff, but realistically making it to Atlanta is a required baby step for a team on the rise but not there yet.

Disaster: Losing to Arkansas and/or Mississippi State. Let’s say the Rebels start the season 5-0. Then, there is the Oct. 15 game at Arkansas, which has handed the Rebels back-to-back losses. There is an argument to be made that if Arkansas does not convert a 4th-and-25 last season, Ole Miss is in the playoff. But that and a humiliating 30-0 loss the previous season are hurdles Hugh Freeze has yet to figure out how to leap. No matter how the first 11 games go, losing the Egg Bowl would be a disaster. It could happen, but not many outside either program expects it at this point.

Ultimate disaster: The NCAA brings the hammer to Oxford, Miss. What if the current investigation goes from the loss of a few scholarships to immediate bowl ban? Quarterback Chad Kelly only has this season to make championship goals a reality. Ole Miss has become a place to be for the nation’s top recruits, a nationally recognized brand. It has taken a lot of work for that to happen. If the NCAA comes down harder than the self-imposed punishments, Ole Miss will have gone from potential contender to ultimate disaster.