It’s early, yes, but the Rebs seem ready to make a move

It’s way too early to make many football predictions.

SEC football media days are in July and after interviewing all 16 head coaches and various players, we’ll know a lot more. But in July, everyone is still undefeated and optimistic.

However, it would seem logical to assume that there will be some decline in Alabama. Losing the GOAT, Nick Saban, has to change the landscape at least a little.

If one team falls, one team will rise and maybe it will be the Ole Miss Rebels, who are coming off their first 11-win season. Ole Miss has 62 lettermen, including three starters in the offensive line, and added 31 new faces for the spring semester, including four of the nation’s top 100 transfers.

In the championship, the Rebels host Kentucky, Oklahoma, Georgia and Mississippi State. They play road games at South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas and Florida.

Games against the LSU Gamecocks and Tigers are on back-to-back Saturdays.

One thing everyone has learned is that Lane Kiffin is fearless in all aspects of coaching and perhaps life.

The good news for the Rebel faithful is that they could win a championship, but the downside is that Kiffin would be a prized property and would likely consider moving if the new home has a beach view.

In four seasons, Kiffin is 34-15 overall and 20-13 in the SEC, and his teams have improved as he has placed more emphasis on defense.

His offense is one of the most dynamic in the country, but he seems to have learned that he can’t outplay everyone.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart returns to keep the Rebels’ offense running on jet fuel. Last season, his stat line was an impressive 233-of-358 passing for 3,364 yards and 23 touchdowns. He only had five interceptions.

Ole Miss lost a top running back who apparently wanted more NIL money than the Rebels thought they could pay. Quinson Judkins transferred to Ohio State.

The two losses last season were against Georgia, which should not lose ground, and against Alabama.

The Rebels just look like a team ready to move forward.

. . .

It didn’t come as a shock to anyone in the media when it was announced that SEC media days would be held in Dallas.

With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the conference, it seemed like a neighborly move. But it’s going to be a long day for South Carolina and Florida and, of course, all the media that cover those schools.

This could affect media attendance, which is generally the largest in the country with more than 1,000 media accreditations issued.

Time will tell to what extent the Longhorns and Sooners need to make adjustments in their approach to football games.

The Big 12 is known for its one-speed – all-out – offense and decent defense.

In the SEC, defense wins championships.

. . .

This question was asked at lunch and there was a big if: make it an IF.

If Arkansas coach Sam Pittman decides to retire after this season, would Bobby Petrino get the job?

If Pittman is willing to take it easy after 40 years of coaching, the first thing to do would be for him and the UA to mutually agree to some sort of buyout, not as much as is in his contract, but a good one. sum.

Although money may not seem to be a primary factor for Pittman, no one gives up on millions of dollars.

If he retires, athletic director Hunter Yurachek would have sole responsibility for finding a new football coach and it is possible he would include a campus-wide search as part of a search. national scale.

Petrino is a proven winner, not so necessary.