10. Arkansas State (Nov. 8)
2018-19 Record: 13-19
Conference: Sun Belt
The Arkansas State Red Wolves finished in the bottom half of the Sun Belt last season. Ty Cockfield, their leading scorer from last season who averaged over 22 points per game is now gone. The Red Wolves will struggle greatly to replace his productivity, and they do not have anybody on the same level as the players from Ole Miss.
9. Southeastern Louisiana (Dec. 21)
2018-19 Record:17-16
Conference: Southland
The Lions finished third in a very weak Southland Conference a season ago. Their two leading scorers from last season, Moses Greenwood and Marlain Veal, have now graduated. There is not enough depth that can step up and fill the role these two guys played. Ole Miss will win big.
8. CSU Bakersfield (Nov. 19)
2018-19 Record: 18-15
Conference: WAC
Last season, the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners finished near the middle of the WAC. They have now lost much of their production from a season ago, and the newcomers for the Roadrunners are not yet at a level to compete with high-majors like Ole Miss. The inexperience will hurt them against the Rebels. Ole Miss will win handily.
7. Seattle (Dec. 7)
2018-19 Record: 18-15
Conference: WAC
A season ago, the Seattle Redhawks finished toward the bottom of the WAC. Things will be different for them this year. Last season, they were too young, losing many close games due to lack of experience. This year, Seattle returns its 5 leading scorers, all of which averaged over 10 ppg a season ago. New Mexico State and Grand Canyon may be too much for them in the WAC, but I expect them to greatly improve. I would not be shocked to see them hang around against the Rebels for a while.