Ole Miss or Mississippi State: Which school has the better chance of repeating success in 2015?

A new QB backed by returning offensive weapons…

Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike Mississippi State having to replace 12 starters, the Ole Miss Rebels will only have to replace seven total. On offense, the Rebels will lose senior wide receiver Vince Sanders, senior offensive lineman Aaron Morris (who was prone to injuries), and star quarterback Bo Wallace. Of course, Wallace will be the most significant loss to the Rebels offense. However, coach Hugh Freeze has two former 4-star QB recruits who are thirsty for the starting gig at Ole Miss, Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade. Another talented JUCO 4-star prospect, Chad Kelly of EMCC, will join the Rebels squad during the 2015 spring practices. That’s three four star rated material fighting for the starting role behind center. We should expect nothing less than a fierce competition battle.

Freeze will also have different forms of talent to choose from at quarterback. In Kelly and Kincade, Freeze will find two experienced dual-threat quarterbacks who could easily mold into Freeze’s fast-tempo scheme. Buchanan is more a pro-style quarterback, and has reminded Freeze of Eli Manning at times. It will be a huge position to fill, but with the surrounding returners on offense, the role will not be expected to be a daunting task.

The biggest weapons returning on the Rebels’ offense are Laquon Treadwell, Cody Core, and Evan Engram. These three receivers will make any talented quarterback feel right at home in their first year as a starter. Larmey Tunsil, Rod Taylor, Justin Bell, and Ben Still will also be returning on the offensive line. The talent coming in behind them, Javon Patterson and Drew Richmond could add very talented depth to the offensive front.

Even though their was little success in the run game, all of the Rebels’ running backs will be returning, include Jaylen Walton who posted the magical 91-yard touchdown run against Mississippi State, and scored the winning touchdown against Alabama.

The replacement of starters are more of a concern on defense for the Rebels. They will have to replace four key starters, Deterrian Shackelford, Cody Prewitt, Serderius Bryant, and Senquez Golson. They will lose three linebackers, which includes Keith Lewis. However, the Rebels have a few talented linebackers coming in 2015, Leo Lewis and Terry Caldwell. The Rebels also have stars Trae Elston, Mike Hilton, CJ Johnson, Robert and Denzel Nkemdiche, and Tony Conner returning on defense. The hype of talented cornerback Tee Shepard is yet to be experienced, and will be a huge excitement for the Landshark defense next season.

In conclusion, the Rebels will have the most returning experienced players than the Bulldogs, which gives them an advantage of depth to help build their success.

Next: How will the schedule effect the success of both teams?