When former Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche left for the NFL following his junior year, he took 98 tackles, seven sacks and 19 tackles for loss with him.

But ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit said the No. 11 Rebels will be even better despite his departure.

Herbstreit made the comments Monday on The Paul Finebaum Show, touting an Ole Miss defense that will have its hands full against No. 4 Florida State at 8 p.m. tonight. He noted the unit is younger than last year’s and has “some questions” at a few positions, but he’s still hopeful for its 2016 campaign even without the former All-American Nkemdiche.

The Rebels will be focused on stopping running back Dalvin Cook, an early Heisman Trophy favorite who ran for almost 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns last year while playing through a few injuries.