Vassallo: Formula for Rebels’ Future Gridiron Success

What can the Rebels do to continue to be a relevant force in the SEC West?
Photo by Amelia Camurati

As we are staring the February recruiting date down the gun barrel, it’s time to step back and analyze what the Ole Miss football program needs to do year in and year out to not only be successful, but to be competitive in the Wild, Wild West.

Looking at the four non-conference games each year, winning at least three of these is not an unreasonable expectation especially since three will be home games in most years.

Next, looking at the combo of MSU and LSU, we have to get “back to the future” in understanding the importance of defeating these two rivals each and every season. The dynamic duo of Bama and War Eagle U. requires a split just like in 2013 and 2014. To be considered relevant in the West this is mandatory. Ditto for Arkansas and A&M as in 2013 and 2014.

Regarding the East, we have to defeat the Nashville music scene each and every year while winning the other Eastern game every other year.

The above formula translates to 8 to 10 victories most every season. Sure there will be surprises, both good and bad. In the Vaught era we only played 9-11 games a season, however, a snapshot of the above (we didn’t face Auburn and Arkansas, A&M were not SEC foes) was reality. And we were the force in the league for the better part of two decades!

The days of Ole Miss fans and alums settling for second class citizenship are gone with the wind. Everyone needs to understand this and plan accordingly. And why settle for second place when first place is available? 1947-67 has returned, rejoice!

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.