Five Ole Miss Players Every Cajun Needs To Know

The Ole Miss Rebels are a talented roster from top to bottom. With two victories to start the season over Boise State and Vanderbilt, the Rebels are 26 points favorites this Saturday against Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns.

Louisiana is coming off a stunning 48-20 home loss to state rival Louisiana Tech. They'll have their work cut out for them in Oxford when they take the field with a talented Ole Miss squad.

Here is a look at 5 Rebels every Ragin' Cajun fan should know about heading into Saturday's matchup.

1. Quarterback Bo Wallace

As the unquestioned leader of Ole Miss, the senior quarterback was a preseason second-team All-SEC pick for a reason. Head coach Hugh Freeze loves a pass happy attack on offense, and Wallace is the straw that stirs the drink. At 6'4, 217 pounds, his long frame helps him see down the field. This season, he's completed 48 of 66 attempts for 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He's susceptible when pressured, and it's imperative for the Cajun defensive line to get pressure.

2. Wide Receiver Laquon Treadwell

The reigning SEC freshmen of the year broke every freshmen receiving record in Ole Miss history last season (72 catches, 608 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns). He is a player with the kind of athleticism any coach in America would love to have. He averaged 5.5 catches a game last season, and is working on the same pace this season through two games (11 catches, 136 yards, 1 TD). Treadwell spent the offseason working on conditioning and adding muscle to his frame in the weight room.

3. Linebacker/Defensive End Deterrian "D.T." Shackelford

This sixth-year senior has overcome knee injuries that took two collegiate seasons away from him to become one of the best players on his football team. "D.T.", as his teammates call him, has a high end motor that showed off his skills 4 years ago when the Rebels hosted the Ragin' Cajuns, picking up 6 tackles and a tackle for loss when Ole Miss defeated Louisiana in 2010.  Wearing jersey #38, Shackelford is the first ever two-time recipient of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award at Ole Miss.

4. Safety Cody Prewitt

Ranked the #1 safety in college football by Lindy's, this All-American led the SEC last season in interceptions, while also finishing second on his team in tackles. Simply put, he has a nose for the football. With a high football IQ, his game is tailor made for the 4-2-5 defense the Rebels run. Louisiana must protect the ball on Saturday. Keeping it away from Prewitt is a must.

5. Defensive Tackle Robert Nkemdiche

Nkemdiche came to Oxford last season as the #1 ranked recruit according to various recruiting services. At 6'4, 293 pounds, Nkemdiche moves more like a quick middle linebacker than a big defensive tackle. Perhaps that's why defensive coordinator Dave Wommack moved Nkemdiche all over the defense in the spring, giving him snaps at stand-up linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle. He has rare ability, length, and can physically dominate controlled blockers.

Kickoff Saturday in Oxford for Louisiana vs Ole Miss is set for 3:00. Pregame begins at 1:00. Catch all the action on ESPN1420, espn1420.com, and on the free smartphone app Radio Pup.