The Ole Miss football team aimed for a strong finish following their loss at LSU on October 12. However, their hopes were dashed on Saturday when they fell to Florida 24-17 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The defeat not only secured bowl eligibility for Florida (6-5, 4-4) but also likely knocked Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3 SEC) out of contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
This loss brought heightened scrutiny and overreactions regarding the Rebels’ once-promising season. After a significant victory over Georgia just two weeks prior, the expectations were elevated for Ole Miss, who entered the latest College Football Playoff rankings at No. 9. Now, it appears the Rebels are on track for a non-playoff bowl game, which is a disappointing conclusion for a season that had been labeled as a critical one.
Close games throughout the season have haunted Ole Miss. Tough losses against Kentucky and an overtime defeat to LSU were reminders of missed opportunities, while the game against Florida presented another chance that slipped away.
The Rebels faced challenges offensively, particularly at the running back position. JJ Pegues, who has taken on a versatile role, found himself unable to convert critical fourth-down plays, with the team heavily relying on him. Senior Micah Davis had the most carries, yet the rushing performance overall was underwhelming, with Ole Miss totaling just 70 yards on the ground, excluding their quarterback’s contribution.
With bowl eligibility already secured, the Rebels are set to face Mississippi State (2-8, 0-6 SEC) in the Egg Bowl. While they aim for a victory, there is a growing concern that some players may opt out of remaining games to prepare for the upcoming NFL draft, following a trend seen in college football recently.
Ultimately, while this season didn’t unfold as Ole Miss had hoped regarding playoff aspirations, it still presents an opportunity for growth and reflection. With future potential and lessons learned, the team can regroup and aim for a more fruitful outcome in the coming seasons.
This situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college football and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.