The Ole Miss Rebels will have to open the 2014 season without starting defensive tackle Issac Gross, who will sit out the game with a neck strain, according to a report by the Idaho Statesman.

Gross, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound force at nose tackle, missed significant time this month with the injury, but those close to the program had hoped he would be ready for the Week 1 showdown with Boise State.

Woodrow Hamilton will draw the start at nose tackle in Gross’ place, with Bryon Bennett also seeing time up the middle. Both players split Gross’ reps while he was sidelined, and both were listed ahead of Gross on head coach Hugh Freeze’s depth chart, released Monday.

Gross’ absence could open up more opportunities for Boise State tailback Jay Ajayi, who returns to the Broncos after posting more than 1,400 yards on the ground last season.