College Football Predictions 2008 Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss laid a goose egg in the SEC last season with a 0-8 mark and the Rebs managed just three wins on the season. There is reason to look up though as former Arkansas head man Houston Nutt has taken over the head coaching duties. He should have this team performing better in year one. SportsBetting.com has the Ole Miss Rebels listed at 25 to 1 to win the 2009 BCS Championship.  Find out how much College Football Predictions Expert Dave Price thinks the Rebs will improve in his 2008 Ole Miss Rebels predictions for Point-Spreads.com.

Offense – QB Jevan Snead transferred to Ole Miss from Texas after being beaten out by Colt McCoy. He appears to be just the guy to lead the Rebels' rebuilding project under the experienced Nutt. Nutt is known for the running schemes he put together at Arkansas, but he's said that he's willing to adapt for his talented signal caller. And he'll have to as the running back position poses some questions. Junior Cordera Eason will likely get the first crack at the starting spot. But if Eason struggles, don't be surprised if Nutt turns to top prep school recruit freshman Enrique Davis. The good news for Snead is that he will have plenty of veteran options to throw to. Mike Wallace, Shay Hodge, and Dexter McCluster are all proven. Expect McCluster to be used in a variety of ways, like Nutt used Darren McFadden at Arkansas. Wallace is the big play guy. He caught 38 passes for 716 yards and six touchdowns last season. Hodge caught a team-high 43 balls for six touchdowns also. Snead can also take comfort in the line returning four starters, including left tackle Michael Oher who's an elite NFL prospect.

Defense – This side of the ball needs some work, but with eight starters returning we should see some improvements. The Rebs ranked next to last in the SEC allowing more than 28 points per game last season. Fortunately, the strength of the defense is the line. Senior tackle Peria Jerry is an animal at times. He had 58 stops last season including 14 for loss and 3.5 sacks. Junior end Greg Hardy had 10 sacks but is known to take plays off. If Nutt can get him to work hard, he could emerge as one of the best pass rushers in the conference. The questions start to mount behind the talented line. Starting linebackers Ashlee Palmer and Tony Fein return, but I question their speed and playmaking ability. The secondary has very little depth which figures to be a problem. Senior safety Jamarca Sanford is solid, but the other spots are currently filled by mediocre players.

Special Teams – Kicker Joshua Shene has to get his legs healthy. Injuries hampered him last season, but he was still able to make 11 of 17 field goals so there is some promise. Kickoff coverage was terrible for the Rebels last season. They allowed there opponents to start with great field position all too often.

College Football Predictions on the 2008 Ole Miss Rebels – 5th in SEC West

The transfer of Snead and landing Houston Nutt instantly raises the expectations and I don't think either will disappoint. The Rebs won't be shut out in the SEC this season and if they take care of business in non-conference play, they could challenge for a bowl.

SportsBetting.com has posted football betting odds on various 2008 College Football Predictions:Alabama        
60 – 1
    
Arizona        
100 – 1
    
Arizona St        
100 – 1
    
Arkansas        
100 – 1
    
Auburn        
40 – 1
    
Boise St        
100 – 1
    
Boston College        
100 – 1
    
California        
100 – 1
    
Clemson        
30 – 1
    
Florida        
6 – 1
    
Florida St        
60 – 1
    
Georgia        
6 – 1
    
Georgia Tech        
100 – 1
    
Illinois        
50 – 1
    
Iowa        
100 – 1
    
Kansas        
75 – 1
    
Kansas St        
100 – 1
    
Kentucky        
100 – 1
    
LSU        
12 – 1
    
Louisville        
100 – 1
    
Maryland        
100 – 1
    
Miami FL        
100 – 1
    
Michigan        
30 – 1
    
Michigan St        
100 – 1
    
Missouri        
15 – 1
    
Nebraska        
75 – 1
    
North Carolina        
100 – 1
    
North Carolina St        
100 – 1
    
Notre Dame        
100 – 1
    
Ohio St        
6 – 1
    
Oklahoma        
6 – 1
    
Oklahoma St        
100 – 1
    
Oregon        
100 – 1
    
Oregon St        
100 – 1
    
Penn St        
50 – 1
    
Rutgers        
100 – 1
    
South Carolina        
75 – 1
    
South Florida        
100 – 1
    
Tennessee        
100 – 1
    
Texas        
30 – 1
    
Texas A&M        
100 – 1
    
Texas Tech        
75 – 1
    
UCLA        
75 – 1
    
USC        
3 – 1
    
Virginia        
100 – 1
    
Virginia Tech        
40 – 1
    
Wake Forest        
100 – 1
    
West Virginia        
20 – 1
    
Wisconsin        
50 – 1
    
Field (Any Other Team)        
25 – 1