On November 29, Ole Miss triumphed over Mississippi State in the 2024 Egg Bowl, winning 26-14. However, this victory did little to bolster their chances for a spot in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. Analysts expressed skepticism about Ole Miss’s ability to improve their standing in the College Football Playoff rankings, even with the win.
247 Sports reporter Brad Crawford highlighted the Rebels’ stagnation in the rankings, suggesting that the selection committee would not view them more favorably after this performance. In his view, a chaotic Rivalry Week would be necessary for any significant changes in their playoff positioning.
Additionally, fellow analyst Bud Elliot noted that Mississippi State’s performance was so poor that Ole Miss’s win did not demonstrate anything substantial. He implied that teams in the SEC, except for Arkansas, were not showing their full potential against the Bulldogs, allowing the Rebels to win despite unconvincing play.
Earlier in the season, Ole Miss’s chances for the playoffs were further compromised by a disappointing loss to Florida, which served as a key evidence of their struggles. With South Carolina’s impressive win over Clemson, they have now surpassed Ole Miss in the playoff rankings, adding pressure onto the Rebels.
Crawford remarked that for South Carolina to remain in contention, they would need several other teams to falter. The notion that South Carolina could potentially make the College Football Playoff over Ole Miss is a stark turn of events from the light-hearted certainty seen at the start of the season.
This scenario illustrates how quickly dynamics in college football can shift, offering a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. As Ole Miss reflects on their season and prepares for their future games, there is still an opportunity to recalibrate their approach and improve their performance. The Rebel’s journey is a testament to the resilience instilled in college athletes, who can always bounce back stronger in pursuit of their goals.