Ole Miss has rosy outlook this year, but NCAA judgment looms
[...] the Rebels are coming off a 10-win season, including a Sugar Bowl victory over Oklahoma State, and are now a program that's viewed among the upper tier of the loaded Southeastern Conference.
Senior quarterback Chad Kelly, a longshot Heisman Trophy candidate, was zinging passes.
Talented defensive linemen like Breeland Speaks and Marquis Haynes looked imposing during drills.
An ongoing four-year NCAA investigation continues to hover over the football program, leaving an unmistakable feeling of uneasiness.
On defense, the Rebels return five starters and several backups that had significant playing time last season.
Veteran defensive tackle Issac Gross returns after missing most of last season with a neck injury and will bring what Freeze called "a breath of fresh air."
In some instances, the gatherings drew record crowds, with fans still on a high after the Sugar Bowl win and back-to-back victories over mighty Alabama.
Ole Miss has already received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA, which includes 13 violations for the football program.