Ole Miss may not be going to a bowl game this season, thanks to its one-year self-imposed bowl ban, but the reality of missing out on postseason play has provided a new motivation tool for the Rebels in 2017.

Led by embattled head coach Hugh Freeze and rising sophomore Shea Patterson, Ole Miss continues to publicly rally behind the negativity generated by the program’s ongoing battle with the NCAA. While many prognosticators have already begun to throw dirt on the program before the season even begins, the Rebels could have the most explosive offense yet under Freeze this year.

Considered by many to be the No. 1-ranked quarterback prospect in the nation in the 2016 recruiting cycle, Patterson flashed his massive potential last season after being thrown into the starting lineup following the season-ending injury to former Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly. While his play was far from consistent in his three appearances, Patterson showed massive potential late last season.

Now with two springs of experience in Oxford, Patterson was an early enrollee in 2016, the sophomore is poised to be one of the SEC’s breakout stars this fall considering his skill set, as well as the wealth of talent and experience surrounding him on the Ole Miss offense.

Last week, Patterson served as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy and spoke with Ross Dellenger of The Advocate. According to Dellenger, Patterson and his teammates are looking forward to spoiling the plans of their opponents heading into the 2017 season. While discussing the disappointment of the team’s bowl ban, Patterson managed to find a silver lining to the punishment.

“Initially, it’s kind of tough and then you sit back and look and you still have 12 games in the best conference and an out of conference game at Cal,” Patterson said.

Apparently, the Rebels will be using the bowl ban as a form of motivation heading into SEC play, determined to wreck as many postseason plans as possible next season.

“If we’re not going, you’re not going,” Patterson said. “That’s our motto.”