How many games will Ole Miss win this season?

With Hugh Freeze out and interim head coach Matt Luke in, many are predicting a tough year ahead for the Rebels.

SEC Network analysts Booger McFarland and Greg McElroy took a stab at predicting the Rebels’ win-loss record. Although Ole Miss will be embarking on a bowl-less season, there’s still a ton of talent and a roster that’s capable of winning big games. Shea Patterson could be the centerpiece to the SEC’s best passing attack with talented wideouts all around him.

The former LSU star, McFarland, predicted the Rebels will finish 6-6 on the season, but they will have a five-game losing streak starting with Cal and ending with LSU. However, the good news is he believes the Egg Bowl trophy comes back to Oxford this year with a win over rival Mississippi State in Starkville.

McElroy, on the other hand, projects a better season for the Rebels at 7-5, losing the Egg Bowl. And, at 7-5, McElroy believes that Matt Luke could have the interim tag removed if seven wins are accomplished.

I would tend to lean towards seven or eight wins this year for Ole Miss. Yes, there’s no postseason, but all the talk surrounding Ole Miss could help the locker room gel. If the Rebels could somehow win eight, no doubt Luke would get a strong look for the head coaching job.