2008 OUTLOOK: Ole Miss gets a chance to start over after three tumultuous years under former coach Ed Orgeron. While he proved to be a poor head coach in terms of managing the program and the games, Orgeron did recruit well so the cupboard isn't bare for new coach Houston Nutt. If the Rebels can pass the ball and grow up on defense, they could be headed to a bowl.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Between the emergence of QB Jevan Snead and RB Cordero Eason in the spring and the return of four quality receivers and four starters on the offensive line, the Rebels might finally be able to move the ball with some consistency and score some points for the first time since 2003.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The line has some talent and could be even better if long-awaited tackle Jerrell Powe finally clears up his academic situation. The linebackers were a problem throughout 2007 and will need immediate help from junior college transfer Patrick Trahan. The secondary has real depth concerns so former wide receiver Marshay Green and former running back Jeremy McGee have to come through at corner.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
While coach Houston Nutt raised concerns about the special teams as a whole, his emphasis was more on the coverage and protection issues rather than the specialists. Still, junior kicker Joshua Shene and junior punter Justin Parks haven't been consistent. If Dexter McCluster stays healthy he could be dangerous in the return game.

ROSTER REPORT

--Houston Nutt had success with using TB Darren McFadden in a multiple role as a situational quarterback at Arkansas and spent the spring trying to find ways to get WR Dexter McCluster more involved in the offense as a passer, runner and receiver.

--The Rebels were desperate for help at corner in the spring and decided to move Marshay Green and Jeremy McGee from offense to defense to see how they would fit. The results, for the most part, were positive. "You see those guys getting better," Nutt said. "They play the ball well because they've got offensive experience. They've been giving us (physical play) and are bringing the hat. I've been proud of them."

--Chris Strong came to Ole Miss as the state's top recruit. He spent his first season switching back and forth from linebacker to defensive line as his weight rose and fell. He spent the entire spring at defensive line but failed to make a dent in the starting lineup. "There's just a lot of competition at that spot," Nutt said. "He'll be fine if he keeps working. We'll need everybody."

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