College football: 10 teams that will take the next step after big bowl win

College football team ready to make a leap No. 5: Ole Miss Rebels

Bowl Result: Def. Indiana 26-20 in Outback Bowl

When Lane Kiffin took the Ole Miss job, there were questions about just how good the Rebels would be in his first season. And after a 4-5 regular season, you might think that the results were not all that favorable. But the truth is that fans in Oxford had to be happy with what they saw from the team even before the Outback Bowl.

The matchup with Indiana only furthered that point. Even with running back Jerrion Ealy, who will return for the 2021 season, out for the matchup, the Rebels were able to consistently move the ball on offense and make big plays. Furthermore, it was arguably the best defensive showing from Ole Miss this year.

Kiffin turning to quarterback Matt Corral, who will also return in 2021, immediately took the Rebels’ offense to new heights. The big issue was the defense, which was just devoid enough of talent to not be able to truly compete consistently in the SEC. But as Ole Miss is bringing in a top-20 recruiting class, that should start to turn around.

Because building a talent pool is a process, it may not be a double-digit win season for Ole Miss in the 2021 campaign. Having said that, they should continue to be able to challenge most anyone thanks to their offense. And as the young defensive talent garners experience, it will be clear that the Rebels are going to be a force under Kiffin.