Steve’s Summer Size-Up: No. 1, UT Martin Skyhawks

Throughout the summer, we will be analyzing each of Ole Miss’ 12 opponents for the 2015 season and sizing up how difficult the game will be in relationship to the strength of schedule.

We will take the teams in order of meeting date in an attempt to better inform our fanbase what to realistically anticipate going into this new season.

Opponent No. 1: UT Martin Skyhawks, Sept. 5

• Ohio Valley Conference member, Division I
• 2014 record: 6-6
• Difficulty Ranking: 12th
• Head coach: Jason Simpson (USM) since 2006
• Colors: navy blue, orange
• Enrollment: 7,423
• Hardy M. Graham Stadium capacity: 7,500
• 2014 SEC Results: 0-2 (Lost to Kentucky 59-14; lost to MSU 45-16)

Forecast: This is the type of opening game you would like to have. UT Martin lost 5 seniors in their offensive line, have a new DL coach (Demarcus Covington), and they are coming off a mediocre season. They signed 19 on national signing day. Jared Neal is a fifth-year senior at QB and their defense should be much improved which will be a good test for our new starting QB, whoever that might be. On defense, they line up with a 3 man front which should produce some opportunities for our running game. This season UT Martin will again face two SEC teams with Arkansas appearing on their schedule on Halloween.

Conclusion: This game (on paper) does not look like a difficult matchup for an SEC team, however, it is an opening game! The Rebs should be a solid favorite going in with much to prove following the TCU holocaust. It would appear that Ole Miss is a 28 point better team–at a minimum–even with a new signal caller. We should be 1-0 when the final whistle
blows.

Our score prediction: Ole Miss 35, UT Martin 6

Next week: Fresno State Bulldogs

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. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.