With the work week/school week coming to a close, it's time to take a peek at the matchup between the home standing Rebels (1-0) and the Bulldogs of Fresno State (1-0). The Bulldogs are coming off of a week one win over Abilene Christian by a score of 34-13, where their offensive line got off to a sluggish start. This won't bode well if they start out the same way in Oxford against one of the Southeastern Conference's most vaunting defensive units. Losing Isaac Gross for the season to a neck injury is a tough blow, so expect to see some different packages across the defensive front as the coaches try to establish some more depth for the conference play gauntlet that is quickly looming. That being said, if the offensive line for Fresno State isn't in sync when they line up opposite of Robert Nkemdiche and company, everyone in the stadium will know it pretty quick. On the opposite side of the ball, you can bet on star receiver Laquon Treadwell to continue to improve as he tries to break the end zone (and most likely will, multiple times) for the first time since breaking his fibula against Auburn last season. The Ole Miss Quarterback Trio will likely try to get the competition going again, but expect Chad Kelly to further distance himself from the pack as he takes the reigns of the offense. At this point, it's his spot to lose, and the Rebels will have some serious problems if he does. Also, expect a huge dose of running attack as Hugh Freeze tries to get some sort of ground game put together and gain some cohesion along the offensive line (still unknown as far as when Laremy Tunsil will be able to play.) before the Rebels have to travel to Tuscaloosa next week for a showdown with the Crimson Tide.
It's a navy blue game in Vaught-Hemmingway stadium, so expect the Rebels to follow suit in their standard navy blue home jerseys. We could see some variation in the pants with the possibility of navy blue pants, white pants like we saw in the UT Martin game, only with navy blue stripes replacing the red ones, or the primary (and best looking, in my opinion.) gray britches. I'm going with the grays, and the Rebs for the win.
Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com
Where at?: Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Playing Surface: Artificial Field Turf
Gametime: 2:30 pm CT on ESPN2
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