Ole Miss was without star tackle Laremy Tunsil again Saturday, but it did not matter as the Rebels crushed Fresno State, 73-21.

Tunsil missed the season opener as well, but again was not missed when the Rebs routed Tennessee-Martin 76-3.

Now is when it is getting serious. Ole Miss travels to Tuscaloosa this week to take on the No. 2 Crimson Tide.

Tunsil has been sidelined due to an NCAA investigation into whether he made improper contact with agents during the summer. The situation began after Tunsil was arrested for domestic violence in an incident with his stepfather. Those charges have since been dismissed. But during the criminal investigation, Tunsil’s stepfather told authorities the left tackle had left the scene and was with agents. That prompted the NCAA to get involved.

Of course, the incident took place during the summer and here we are in mid-September with no resolution.

Who is investigating this thing for the NCAA, Barney Fife?

It seems logical the NCAA just needs to interview Tunsil, the agent(s), Ole Miss coaches and administrators and determine who is most credible in the he said/he said scenario. The questions would not be that tough to answer:

  • Was any money or were any gifts given to Tunsil?
  • Were any promises made or verbal or written agreements?
  • Did the Ole Miss compliance department investigate and if so, what was the determination?
  • Did Tunsil report the matter to coach Hugh Freeze or offensive line coach Matt Luke?
  • Was there any internal punishment for Tunsil by the athletic department?

It would appear that is not enough for the NCAA. This investigation has drawn out for months and it can affect the SEC West race. Ole Miss needs all of its normal starters against Alabama. The Rebels already will be missing defensive back Tee Shepherd. He’s suspended for the first half of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium after being ejected in the second half of the Fresno State win for targeting a defenseless receiver.

This situation could also affect Tunsil in other ways. He is projected as a high first-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft. The longer this drags out, the more pro scouts could doubt the Lake City, Fla., native’s character. He also has not benefited from the pair of tune-up games the Rebels have played.

The NCAA needs to make a determination early in the week. The winner of the Alabama-Ole Miss game will have an advantage going forward in the run to reach the SEC Championship Game.

It will be a shame if one team is not at full strength Saturday.