Ole Miss Odds – Rebels are a BCS threat in 2009
Ole Miss was one of the NCAA football betting surprises of 2008, as it went from 3-9 in 2007 to 9-4 and an impressive bowl win over Texas Tech. The Rebels have 14 starters back and the best SEC quarterback outside of Florida, and a BCS bowl isn’t out of the question. Led by quarterback Jevan Snead, this team might just outscore opponents.
Ole Miss odds: Snead and defense make formidable duo for Rebels
- Snead joins Tebow, Bradford and McCoy in Heisman discussion
- Deep and experienced defense will be key in the SEC
- Oct. 10 meeting with Alabama will give winner edge in the West
Quarterback Jevan Snead is one of six returning starters on offense. The Rebels were 29th in the country under Snead, who is being touted as the No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL draft if he chooses to forego his senior season. The Rebels lost All-American Michael Oher up front, but the line has enough experience until the two freshman starters get used to the speed of the SEC. Dexter McCluster led the team in rushing and was third in receiving, giving the Rebels one of the most versatile players in the nation. Three of the top four receivers from 2008 are back, giving a definite boost to the Rebels’ sports betting odds.
The Rebels ranked 19th on defense and could be even better this year with eight returning starters in the fold. Two of the players that left, Peria Jerry and Jamarca Sanford, were NFL picks, but Greg Hardy and Kendrick Lewis may be an improvement over them anyway. Hardy could miss the beginning of the season due to an offseason car accident, but last year’s sack leader shouldn’t miss much time. The linebackers are a bit green in terms of experience, but the groups surrounding them will aid in their SEC education.
Three of the Rebels’ first four games are on the road at Memphis, South Carolina and Vanderbilt before a massive home game against Alabama on Oct. 10. Ole Miss then hosts Tennessee and LSU before the “Egg Bowl” at Mississippi State to end the season. Also, the Oct. 24 meeting with Arkansas takes on special meaning as coach Houston Nutt was the head man there for nine years.
The Rebels are rated at +500 in the SEC in your offshore sportsbook but, surprisingly, they’re at +1500 in the “field” category. Nutt changed the losing culture at Ole Miss, starting with an upset over Florida and a six-game winning streak to end the season (including victories over LSU and Texas Tech). There are big expectations on campus this year and the Rebels have a very favorable schedule. Look for Snead to move into the top tier of college quarterbacks and, if the Rebels can end a five-year losing skid to Alabama, the SEC West should be theirs for the taking. Ole Miss is headed for a top-15 ranking and a possible BCS bowl in 2009.
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Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand.
