The moment I saw this season's University of Mississippi football schedule, I knew we were in for something special. As a lifelong Rebels fan who's followed this team through thick and thin, I can tell you there's a different energy around Oxford this year. When I look at our lineup, I see opportunities everywhere - from the season opener against Troy on September 2nd to that crucial final game against Mississippi State on November 23rd. But what really strikes me is how this schedule sets up perfectly for a program that's been knocking on the door of greatness.
I was talking with my friend Sarah just last week after the spring game, and she perfectly captured what so many of us feel. "As much as I hate it, I think it's the same story every time. We just need a little bit of help. Hopefully next game, more people show up and are able to put some points up," she told me, echoing the sentiment I've heard from countless fans over the years. That mixture of frustration and hope is exactly what makes being a Rebels fan so compelling. We know we're close, and this schedule gives us the platform to prove it.
Looking at the early stretch, we've got four very winnable games before we hit the meat of our SEC schedule. Troy, then Georgia Tech, then Louisiana-Monroe, and Tulane - I'd be disappointed if we're not sitting at 4-0 heading into that Alabama game on September 30th. Last season, we averaged 33.2 points per game in non-conference matchups, and I expect we'll exceed that this year with our returning offensive weapons. The key will be building momentum and confidence during these early weeks, because when October hits, we're facing what might be the toughest three-game stretch in college football.
Here's where it gets really interesting for me - that Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn trio from September 30th through October 14th. Last year, we lost to Alabama by 15 points, but we had them on the ropes in the third quarter before their depth wore us down. This time, with the game at home and our improved defensive line, I genuinely believe we can pull off the upset. I've marked October 7th against Arkansas as my personal must-win game - we've dropped three of our last four against the Razorbacks, and it's time to change that narrative.
The middle portion of our schedule is where championships are won, and I love how our bye week falls perfectly on October 21st. Coach Kiffin has historically been brilliant coming off bye weeks, with a 7-3 record in his career. That extra preparation time before facing Vanderbilt on October 28th could be the difference between a good season and a great one. Then we face Texas A&M on November 4th - a team we haven't beaten since 2020. I was at that last victory in College Station, and the energy was electric. We need that same intensity from our traveling fans this year.
November is when legends are made, and our final stretch against Georgia, UL Monroe, and Mississippi State will define our season. That Georgia game on November 11th particularly worries me - they've outscored us 97-34 over our last two meetings. But here's what gives me hope: our offense returns 85% of its production from last season, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, who threw for 2,974 yards and 20 touchdowns. If our defense can just create a couple more turnovers than last year's 15 total takeaways, we can compete with anyone.
What really excites me about this schedule is the balance. We've got tough road games spaced out nicely, and our most challenging opponents mostly come to Vaught-Hemingway, where we've won 12 of our last 15 games. The student section has been growing louder each season, and I'm predicting we'll see average attendance exceed 58,000 this year - that's nearly 3,000 more than last season's average.
When I step back and look at the whole picture, I count 8 probable wins, 2 toss-ups, and 2 challenging games. That puts us in position for a 9-3 or even 10-2 regular season if things break our way. The potential is there for this to be our best season since 2015, when we won 10 games and made the Sugar Bowl. I've already circled November 23rd against Mississippi State as my can't-miss game - there's nothing sweeter than ending the regular season with an Egg Bowl victory.
At the end of the day, football comes down to execution and belief. We have the talent, we have the schedule, and we certainly have the passion in our fan base. Like my friend Sarah said, we just need that little bit of help - a breakout performance from an unexpected player, a crucial fourth-down stop, a packed stadium roaring its approval. This schedule gives us every opportunity to write a different story than last year's 8-5 finish. I'll be there in section M for every home game, doing my part to will this team to victory. Hotty Toddy
