3 reasons Ole Miss football can make the SEC Championship in 2024

The playoffs are the goal for Ole Miss, but don't rule out an appearance in the SEC Championship game. Texas and Georgia are the clear favorites, but the Rebels have a chance to make their first one in program history.

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports | John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 3

3. This offense can hit 30+ points against anybody

It's a very bold statement. However, Dart and Co were unstoppable when the Ole Miss offense played at a high-level last season. Eight out of the eleven wins last season, the Rebels surpassed 30 points; against Auburn and Arkansas, it was in the high 20s. Mississippi State was the only winning game where the offense struggled. Luckily, the defense helped out with the win.

Despite losing to Alabama and Georgia, where the offense struggled, the Rebels showed in the Peach Bowl win against Penn State that they can dominate a top-ranked defense. Of course, there might be times when the Rebels' offense does not reach that 30-point mark. However, the defense is good enough to hold teams below that this season.

Ole Miss returned quarterback Jaxson Dart, wide receivers Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, and tight end Caden Prieskorn. All were top contributors to that offense last season. Thanks to the transfer portal, this offense is stacked.

Wide receivers Antwane Wells and Deon Smith make the wide receiver corp one of the best in college football. Lane Kiffin added four running backs that will bring different qualities to the room, joining Ulysses Bentley IV. Quinshon Judkins's departure in the off-season was seen as a blow, which it was. However, Bentley IV averaged more yards per carry than Judkins last season.

The Rebels added an athletic tight end in Dae'Quan Wright, another talent to utilize in the passing game. This offense is set up to be among the highest-scoring in college football in 2024. That alone will help them get to the SEC Championship game.

Schedule

Schedule