Ole Miss claimed victory in the 2024 Egg Bowl against Mississippi State on November 29, winning 26-14, but this triumph did little to enhance their prospects for inclusion in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Analysts from 247 Sports have expressed skepticism about Ole Miss’s ranking, with writer Brad Crawford stating that the outcome of the game is unlikely to impress the selection committee, emphasizing that the Rebels remain at 14th in the rankings.
Further critique came from fellow analyst Bud Elliot, who suggested that Mississippi State’s performance was so underwhelming that even a mediocre showing from Ole Miss was enough to secure the win. Elliot insinuated that other SEC teams, aside from Arkansas, may not have fully showcased their capabilities in this matchup.
The Rebels’ chances for a playoff berth dimmed significantly following a loss earlier in the season to Florida, which was considered a pivotal game for Ole Miss. Their victory in the Egg Bowl, while significant, lacked the necessary flair, especially given that they found themselves trailing in the first half.
As the playoff picture evolves, South Carolina has leapfrogged Ole Miss in the rankings following their win over Clemson. Crawford noted that for South Carolina to maintain a potential playoff spot, they will need losses from a couple of top teams, including SMU, Alabama, Tennessee, Indiana, and Miami.
This shift in rankings serves as a reminder of how quickly dynamics can change in college football, with teams like South Carolina making surprising moves late in the season. Although expectations for Ole Miss were high at the beginning of the season, their position now leads to reflections on how close they were to playoff contention – and how one upset can significantly alter a team’s fate.
In a sport known for its unpredictability, the future remains hopeful for teams like South Carolina, presenting an opportunity for them to make their mark in the playoff race.