On November 29, Ole Miss secured a victory against Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, winning 26-14. However, this win did little to bolster their hopes of being included in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. Despite the win, analysts have expressed doubts about Ole Miss’s standing in the playoff rankings. 247 Sports’ Brad Crawford stated that the selection committee is unlikely to raise Ole Miss’s ranking after witnessing their performance in the game.
Crawford’s comments were echoed by colleague Bud Elliot, who criticized the Bulldogs’ performance and suggested that teams in the SEC, barring Arkansas, might not have put forth their best efforts against Mississippi State. Elliot noted that Ole Miss, despite not playing at their best, managed to secure a win, indicating a lack of competitive rigor.
The Rebels’ chances took a significant blow earlier in the season with a loss to Florida in what was deemed a critical game. With the recent win in the Egg Bowl lacking the dominance needed to impress the playoff committee, Ole Miss’s position in the rankings appears tenuous. Following their game, South Carolina leapfrogged Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff rankings by defeating Clemson. Crawford mentioned that for South Carolina to solidify their playoff aspirations, they would need a few outcomes to go their way against top teams this week.
The shift in rankings reflects the unpredictable landscape of college football, where surprises can shape the postseason narrative. While Ole Miss may not have enhanced their playoff chances significantly with this recent victory, there remains hope for teams like South Carolina as they navigate the final weeks of the season.
In summary, Ole Miss’s triumph in the Egg Bowl did not strengthen their College Football Playoff case. With South Carolina’s recent win, the playoff picture becomes more intriguing, showcasing the competitiveness of the SEC and the ever-changing dynamics as teams vie for postseason opportunities. Both teams must remain resilient and focused as they approach the end of the season.