The Other Side of the Wall: Ole Miss
September is finally here! Troy kicks off the Sumrall Saga with a trip to Oxford, one of his old SEC stomping grounds. Here’s the quick fact sheet:
| Team | Ole Miss |
|---|---|
| Time, Network | 3 pm, SECN |
| 2021 Record | 10-3 (6-2) |
| Troy’s Record | 0-1* |
| Last Matchup | L, 21-51 (2013)* |
| Preseason Conf. Rank | 4th SEC West |
| FPI Rank | 17 |
| FPI Win% (Troy) | 11.1% |
| Spread | +21.5 |
Ole Miss also released its fact sheet for this week if you need more information. Three takeaways:
- Ole Miss brought in the No. 2 transfer class according to 24/7 Sports.
- The Rebels are .752 (93-29-5) in season openers.
- They’ve won nine straight home games.
To help us get a better sense of what this Ole Miss team is really like, we reached out to Justin Lewis with Red Cup Rebellion and asked him our set of questions. Here are his answers, and my reaction to his answers.
Describe Ole Miss like you would a dog that’s up for adoption.
Friendly but comes from a tough past filled with disappointment. Will mark territory disrespectfully without warning. Ultimately very loveable and loyal.
You know, I wasn’t even thinking about the Egg Bowl when I wrote this question.
What movie title best describes the Rebels’ expectations coming into this season?
Uncharted. The star power is there for a fantastic year, can they execute the script perfectly on their way to another record season in Oxford?
Also a very polarizing film. 41% on Rotten Tomatoes among critics, 90% among fans.
Which Hogwarts house is Lane Kiffin in?
He’s either Ravenclaw or Slytherin. I’m gonna roll with Slytherin bc he seems to embrace the villain role and certainly falls into the cunning and resourceful description of the house. The Draco Malfoy to opposing SEC fanbases.
Not surprising in the least, honestly.
What are three names on defense Troy fans should pay attention to.
TROY Brown would be the first name. Transfer Linebacker that should have a huge impact. Miles Battle on the outside is a 6’4 corner which is always fun. JJ Pegues is another transfer on the D line expected to make a huge impact.
When Ole Miss snaps the ball, what is most likely to happen?
This game? They are going to run the ball. Kiffin and Weis Jr will ease their two quarterbacks into action. With the studs in the running back room. Expect a lot of rushing attempts.
If we wake up Sunday and the underdog wins, what happened the day before?
The Ole Miss quarterback battle was a nightmare with neither QB standing out, turning the ball over. Troy stacked the box and forced the Rebs to throw it down field.
I like this answer because that second part is very likely.
What do fans expect the Rebels to be doing in December?
Depends on who you ask. I’d imagine watching bowl games waiting for the Rebs to play in January.
What’s the best place to get BBQ in town (even if Troy is at home)?
Moe’s. No not that Moe’s. Moe’s Original BBQ.
It’s a good restaurant. There’s one in Montgomery, Destin, and PCB if you’re curious.
Is Ole Miss a Coke or Pepsi school?
Coke because they have superior taste.
Accurate.
What’s one question you have for us about Troy (we’ll answer in the article)?
What are the expectations for Troy football this season?
Honestly, expectations are better than 5-7, hopefully 8-4. Chip Lindsey didn’t leave the cupboards bare, and this defense is stout. The ceiling is overtaking Louisiana for control of the SBC West but we’re just hoping to get back above .500 this season. Sumrall will deliver, and fans have patience.
So that’s what Troy is up against. Ole Miss is a strong team with high ambition, so Troy will have to really step up if there’s any chance to win this. The defense is definitely up to task, but so is the Rebels’.
Final prediction: Ole Miss 31, Troy 17.
Again, special thanks to Justin Lewis with Red Cup Rebellion. You can follow them on Twitter here.