The Ole Miss (Landshark) Defense

If Ole Miss ever had a chance at winning an SEC championship this is the year. The University of Mississippi has not won the SEC title since 1963. In 2003, they had a shot to win the West with Eli Manning at quarterback, but a soul-crushing defeat to LSU at home dashed those chances as LSU went on to win the national title.

I believe that a reasonable goal for every SEC West team is to win at least ten games, and at the very least, six in the SEC. This division has never been more loaded, with every one of the seven programs in the division ranking in the coaches preseason top 25. As a result, it is very likely that the eventual West champion could win the division with one, or even two, loses. With a somewhat forgiving schedule, Ole Miss has a tremendous shot at winning 10 games. Importantly, key season defining games against A&M, Arkansas, and LSU will all be played at Vaught Hemingway Stadium. But, it’s not just the schedule. There is serious talent on this Ole Miss team. I predict that Chad Kelly is finally going to realize that his football life is completely over if he messes up again, and because of that he will win the starting QB position and put up big numbers. And Kelly (or Kincade or Buchannon) will have a tremendous group of playmakers to target, with Treadwell and Engram leading the way. I disagree with what a lot of analysts say about the Ole Miss running game. The SDS projection that no running back will gain 1,000 yards, simply isn’t relevant. If Ole Miss rotates Walton, Wilkins, and Judd, and they all rush for 50-60 yards per game that is what is known as a balanced rushing attack. With all five linemen returning including, future NFL Draft pick OT Laremy Tunsil, the offense should be just fine.

All that pales in comparison though, to what I truly believe is the best defense in the SEC. I know what you’re thinking. How can they be so good when they lost so much? Here’s how.

• The defensive line lost nobody. Ole Miss has the most talented defensive lineman in the SEC in Robert Nkemdiche (35 tackles), an amazing pass rusher in Marquis Haynes (7.5 sacks), a shifty veteran in Isaac Gross (240 lbs, 37 tackles) and a dynamic reserve in Channing Ward (3 forced fumbles) who is due for a big season after tearing up special teams play. Now add big D.J. Jones (324 pounds), the number one ranked JUCO DT in the country. This unit could be un-matched, not only in the SEC, but the nation.
• The linebacking corps lost Serderius Bryant and D.T. Shackelford, both studs for Ole Miss, but the Rebels move the athletic CJ Johnson (4 sacks, 38 tackles) to the linebacker position and return the pre-season third-team All-SEC Denzel Nkemdiche. Terry Caldwell (#2 ranked JUCO Inside Linebacker) and Ray Ray Smith (2 tackles plus an INT in Spring Game) may both gain larger roles in the linebacking corps. Versatile linebackers are what is expected in a Dave Womack defense and he has that in this years roster.
• The secondary lost Senquez Golson, one of the best defensive backs in the country, and Cody Prewitt, the glue that held the “Landshark” defense together, yet the Ole Miss secondary will be able to reload without missing a beat. First, Ole Miss plays five defensive backs. The nickel back (what Ole Miss refers to as the Huskie) is Tony Conner (69 tackles), who was named Second Team All-SEC last year. At the two traditional safety spots, Mike Hilton and Trae Elston return with four combined interceptions. Also, look for CJ Hampton to get some time back there, as well. Last but not least, the cornerback position. This is where Ole Miss gained the most. Both spots should be filled by JUCO transfers Tee Shepperd (#1 JUCO CB in 2014) and Tony Bridges (#1 JUCO CB in 2015).

This is a dangerous, talented defense. I don’t think it is unrealistic to envision this Ole Miss defense leading the conference statistically in both run defense and pass defense. The last teams to do that in the SEC were the 2011 and 2012 Alabama teams, both of which won the national title. If the Ole Miss defense lives up to the expectations, this could be the year the Rebels finally win the SEC and possibly even compete for a national title.