Throughout the summer, we will be analyzing each of Ole Miss’ 12 opponents for the 2015 season and sizing up how difficult the game will be in relationship to the strength of schedule.
We will take the teams in order of meeting date in an attempt to better inform our fanbase what to realistically anticipate going into this new season.
Opponent No. 2: Fresno State Bulldogs, September 12
- Mountain West Conference
- 2014 record: 6-8
- Difficulty Ranking: 10th
- Head Coach: Tim DeRuyter (26-14 previous 3 years)
- Colors: Cardinal and Blue
- Enrollment: 23,179
- Bulldog Stadium capacity: 41,031
- 2014 SEC Results: No opponents
Forecast: This is a team in transition with more questions than answers entering the fall campaign. Losing to Rice (30-6) in the Hawaii Bowl ended an uneventful 2014 season. Last season’s QB elected not to return leaving the signal-calling duties to a very young trio led by sophomore Zack Greenlee. The top receiver has also departed leaving the passing game in turmoil. The Bulldogs open the season with Abilene Christian which will give them an opportunity to get 4 quarters under their belt before facing our Rebs. Senior tailback, Marteze Waller No. 33, who scored 11 TDs last season is the real deal. The defense is also suspect as the two best players will not be returning from a squad that gave up 32 points per game and 456 yards! Eleven starters are returning overall.
Conclusion: This game should not be even close to being a nail-biter. Ole Miss will likely dominate on both sides of the ball and our defense may outscore our offense. It should get late early for the Bulldogs. One interesting feature of the Fresno State campus is the presence of vineyards and student-made wines. Following this rout, the pouring may be more frequent as Bulldog fans will be trying to forget game two even prior to the start of the fourth quarter.
Our score prediction: Ole Miss 42, Fresno State 7 (Ole Miss 2-0)
Next week: SEC season opener at Alabama Crimson Tide
Previous weeks
Week 1: UT Martin Skyhawks
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
