Friday at 3 PM vs #21 Arizona Wildcats
First, let's talk about our pitcher. I think it will be, and it has to be Hunter Elliott. You need him to be your ace and Friday night guy. He was recently named preseason season second-team All-SEC, and I expect him to make his long-awaited return against the Wildcats.
2️⃣6️⃣ 🔙@elliotthunter10 x #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/1ZROsbl72H
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) February 5, 2025
LHP Hunter Elliott (@OleMissBSB) creating angle at 89-91 from xfire deliv. Sells the CH well in 77-81 range w/ nice depth, mixing in slurvy breaker at 77-80. RS-Jr./'25 elig. pic.twitter.com/zBB1wqX9yd
— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 8, 2025
The Wildcats are without all three incredible starters from last season, who really carried them through the season. They also seem to lack the proven talent to fill the gap. For their starter, I'll project Baylor transfer Collin McKinney. He was not great at Baylor, with an ERA of over 6. Most of their other options aren't better.
They return a lot more in the lineup, including seven starters from last season. This includes superstar shortstop Mason White, who slashed .305/.392/.603 with 19 home runs. They return the rest of the infield and two outfields. They also brought in Samford transfer Aaron Walton to round out the outfield.
The Wildcats will boost a solid lineup; they have some star power, and 1-9 will be consistent. However, the bats did not carry this team last year; it had three MLB prospects in their rotation. That is not the case this year; they will have much to figure out on the mound. If Elliot can silence the bats, the Rebels can nab a nice victory to start the showcase.