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| Marshal Henderson averages 18.2 ppg. |
Ole Miss (11-2) begins the quest to prove itself NCAA Tournament worthy against Tennessee (8-4) tonight in Knoxville. It's just one game in an 18-game schedule, but its a chance for the Rebels to separate themselves from the six teams before them under Andy Kennedy each of which fell short.
A win at Tennessee would set this team apart. For one, Ole Miss has never won a conference opener under Kennedy. That's like starting each season from behind. A win would put the Rebels out front, which would be a refreshing change. Also, Ole Miss hasn't beaten the Vols in Knoxville since 1991. For those two reasons alone a win tonight would be symbolic of this team's chances.
Kennedy's six years as coach are marked by strong records against weak non-conference schedules and records hovering around the .500 level in SEC play. A 9-9 or 10-8 SEC record probably won't cut the mustard this year. Some prognosticators are saying 12 SEC wins will be required to make the Dance. That becomes just a little easier if Ole Miss can get the win in Knoxville.
Here are your Ole Miss headlines:
1. Kailo Moore to announce Friday.
“I talked to Tony (Conner) last night,” (Moore) said. “He and I are going to the same college. We’ve talked about (staying in-state) a lot. Tony and I have done some undercover recruiting. We are trying to get the best players at the same school. We are trying to keep the best players in-state.”2. NCAA or bust for Ole Miss...
....no good wins and no bad losses for Ole Miss in its pursuit of its first tournament appearance since 2002, the definition of a bubble team with something to prove in its league schedule.3. King Kobraz just want to rap.
"I think I commented on Robert Nkemdiche’s Instagram and said, “I’ll make you all the songs you want if you’ll just come to Ole Miss. I’ll make you A MILLION SONGS.”4. Grove Bowl weekend set for April 13.
5. Ole Miss woos Louisiana linebacker Duke Riley.