By Ashley Y.
SouthernPigskin.com

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For a struggling Ole Miss program, there is only room for improvement from here on out.

The glory days of the Manning’s (either one) must seem long in the distance for fans of the Ole Miss Rebels. Ole Miss has undergone a slew of changes over the last few years. From coaches to mascots, Ole Miss’ growing pains are apparent throughout the program. For Rebel coaches and players, this has to be the year that things start to look up. Losing a 15th straight SEC game this season is not an option.

Hugh Freeze knows the battle he has come into and is ready to fight. Changes are already abundant. The first question will be at quarterback. The Rebels have four scholarship quarterbacks trying to be the next Eli Manning. Thus far, they have worked hard, but haven’t been able to produce much. The new junior college transfer, Bo Wallace, could really mix up the depth chart. Ole Miss will be running the spread offense this year, and Wallace has the most experience with that. He was also with Freeze at Arkansas State in 2010. He has no experience at this level of competition, but the quarterback play has been lacking, so he may be relied on due to the fact that he knows Freeze’s system.

The defense is the next question. While it is great that nearly all of the secondary is returning, this is a team that ranked last in the conference in multiple defensive categories last season. Defensive coordinator Dave Womack has made it clear that the Rebels will be moving to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme and that he will be moving everyone around. The defense has experience, but that may not matter after all the changes are said and done.

Besides finding a quality quarterback, the offense has some additional work as well. The offensive line will need to find a new style to fit Freeze’s powerful offense. Two of last year’s starting offensive linemen are gone, and those who are left will need to find their “power” to compete.

In addition to their worries on the field, Ole Miss has had some off the field issues as well. Freeze will need to be the one to come in and clean house. Ole Miss has great tradition and Freeze can capitalize on his position and turn the program around if he does things the right way. For a team that practices on Manning Way, it is time that they find their way and, if they can’t bring Colonel Reb back, might as well bring back their winning ways.