Vassallo: Ole Miss Elite in College Football World Despite Losses

This column is directed to all the fair weather Ole Miss fans who were ready to jump ship after the Arkansas game.
Only three teams among the Top 25 (Ole Miss, Alabama and TCU) had beaten as many as 3 teams also currently in the Top 25. As to Ole Miss, the three we defeated (Bama, MSU and Boise State) were higher ranked than either Bama’s wins or TCU’s. Bama won out against LSU (24th), Auburn (21st) and MSU (10th). TCU defeated Minnesota (25th), Oklahoma (16th) and Kansas State (9th).
Ole Miss defeated two 10-2 teams (Boise State, now ranked 22nd and MSU) plus one 11-1 team (Alabama) currently ranked No. 1. In addition, we had to face two other Top 25 teams plus a third (for certain) in the upcoming bowl which will be a top ranked one! And if this wasn’t difficult enough, add five other opponents we had to face (Memphis, Tennessee, LA Lafayette, Texas A&M and Arkansas) who are all headed to bowls as well.
Because these schedules are arranged years in advance, each season can produce unanticipated difficulties like this one did for us. Going 9-3 against this list of heavyweights is nothing short of very impressive. Our coaching staff and team performed an amazing feat this year for our fans. Rather than be critical, we all need to be congratulatory and wish them all well.
When Coach Hugh Freeze first arrived, I told him all we hope for and expect is to be a competitive team. He has delivered in spades. Each year, the New York Post grades the New York teams based on their performance. Likewise, I give Ole Miss A’s across the board. It doesn’t get much better or more exciting than this.

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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. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford.You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.