Ole Miss is getting an awful lot of attention this season after winning nine games last year and returning a very complete team. The defense did lose several key players and the unit may not be quite as strong as last season when just 19 points per game were allowed through a tough schedule but the Rebel offense should be excellent. Veteran QB Jean Snead has plenty of help returning and Houston Nutt has proven to be a very bright offensive coach. This is a serious rivalry game and one of the largest spreads in series history but it is warranted even with the Rebels on the road. Mississippi does not have a meaningful game for two weeks after this game so there will be no lack of focus or intensity. Memphis lost badly in its bowl game last season and it may be an omen for a bit of a fall after a fairly successful run that has cycled up and down. In eight years Coach Tommy West has led the Tigers to five bowl games but he has also had two seasons of three or fewer wins. Memphis had a very shaky QB situation last year due to injuries and a couple of key players are banged up already this year. Memphis should feature a respectable running game but it may be tough to showcase that ability in this match-up. The offensive line is very fresh and should be overpowered by the size and speed for the Rebels up front. Memphis has been a sneaky home underdog but this may be one of the few games that Ole Miss has value, even as a double-digit road favorite, as the public may not realize how good this team can be just yet.
Joe nelson 9/6
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