The Ole Miss Rebels are 1-0 for the sixth consecutive season, the third longest streak in program history. The Rebs rattled off eight in a row between 1996-2003 and 16 straight during the Johnny Vaught era between 1947-62.
Sure, most of these opening season wins are against non-Power Four schools and sometimes even Division II. This season’s win over Louisville in the opener puts lands them a 5-4 record in openers against P4 schools, two straight against Louisville.
After a sloppy win, the Rebels will take on the Charlotte 49ers and attempt to clean things up before hosting LSU in Week 3. Typically, you would have to characterize this as a trap game, overlooking the inferior opponent while looking ahead to the next challenge.
For a few reasons, that won’t be the case here because I believe Pete Golding is going to coach these guys hard to clean up several things. Of course, that comes within reason as everyone needs to leave this game healthy. But also, Charlotte went 1-11 last season and just lost to The Citadel.
Due to the likelihood of playing from behind, Charlotte could look to throw the ball, giving the Ole Miss secondary a chance to work on their communication, the most obvious red flag from game one. The offensive line won’t face a line full of future NFL guys, but it will be interesting to see if Carius Curne makes his debut this week. Also, will Kewan sit this one out to be 100% for week 3 and let JT Lindsay and Makhai Frazier get reps.
How to Watch: Ole Miss vs. Charlotte
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 6:45 p.m. CT
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Site: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN App
