South Bound & Down
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Best SEC In-Conference Games of 2016: Number 9, Mississippi State at Ole Miss

By Justin Melton

Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen walks through player warm ups before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen walks through player warm ups before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Akeem Judd (21) runs the ball during the first quarter of the game against the LSU Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
With the graduation of Jaylen Walton and the suspension of Jordan Wilkins, the Ole Miss backfield should belong to Akeem Judd. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Ole Miss Offense vs. Mississippi State Defense:

Ole Miss had the best quarterback in the SEC last year, Chad Kelly. Unfortunately for everyone but Rebel fans, he is back again this season. However, he did lose a few of his favorite weapons. Gone are receivers Laquon Treadwell and Cody Core, as is running back Jaylen Walton. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Ole Miss loses star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who so ably protected Kelly’s blind side last year.

But the cupboard is far from bare for Kelly and Coach Hugh Freeze. Damore’ea Stringfellow, Quincy Adeboyejo, and tight end Evan Engram give Kelly three proven options to throw to. And Akeem Judd should do fine at running back in Hugh Freeze’s offense, though depth may be a concern there after Jordan Wilkins was suspended.

The Mississippi State defense is going through a formation shift this year. New coordinator Peter Sirmon has decided to transition the Bulldogs to a 3-4 scheme. That could make for some struggles, particularly early in the season. Sirmon does have some talent to work with at all three levels of the defense. Defensive end A.J. Jefferson, linebacker Richie Brown, and safety Brandon Bryant should lead the way for the Bulldogs. But in the first year of a new scheme that leadership won’t be enough to slow down Chad Kelly.

Advantage: Ole Miss

Next: Special Teams and Coaching

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