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Ole Miss Basketball: Ranking Rebels’ 2019-20 non-conference opponents

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels speaks to Terence Davis #3 in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels speaks to Terence Davis #3 in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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.