It’s going to be a long season. For Ole Miss, that’s a good thing.

No, the Rebels’ opening game against No. 4 Florida State didn’t go the way fans hoped. With a large first-half lead evaporating in the second half, Ole Miss withered late in Orlando and the Seminoles found a successful and powerful rhythm that led to victory.

But there were plenty of positive signs for Ole Miss in its first game. The Rebels offense is potent, with a top-notch quarterback and strong receivers. The defensive front is strong. And a seasoned coaching staff will keep Ole Miss in a lot of games this season.

Florida State is no pushover, either. Time will tell, but here is betting that the Seminoles will be in the national championship conversation this year.

Ole Miss knew its schedule would be punishing. With Florida State out of the way, Alabama looms in less than two weeks. But while Ole Miss let one get away Monday night in Orlando, the Rebels revealed enough positives to show that they will be a force at times this season.

The opener was a disappointing loss when a win seemed likely after two quarters, but it is just one game.

We’ve seen in recent years that anything can happen in the SEC and likely will. This long season should be no different.

Anything probably will happen, and Ole Miss will likely be in the middle of it.