The Ole Miss Rebels triumphed over their rivals, Mississippi State, with a 26-14 victory in the Egg Bowl on November 29, 2024. Despite the win, the Rebels failed to bolster their position for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, remaining at 14th in the rankings. Analysts, including Brad Crawford from 247 Sports, expressed doubt that the selection committee would view Ole Miss favorably based on their performance in this game.
Crawford stated that the win did not significantly impact Ole Miss’s standing, suggesting that their playoff hopes were still tenuous without a stellar showing. Bud Elliot from 247 Sports added that Mississippi State’s struggles allowed Ole Miss to secure the victory without displaying their best capabilities, hinting at a lack of effort by SEC teams against the Bulldogs.
Furthermore, Ole Miss’s playoff aspirations took a significant hit when they lost to Florida earlier in the season, and the close nature of the Egg Bowl victory—where the Rebels even trailed in the first half—diminished its significance.
In a notable development, South Carolina surpassed Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff rankings following their victory over Clemson, shifting the dynamics of the race. Crawford highlighted that South Carolina now needs some favorable outcomes among several other teams to maintain a chance at the top 11 in the upcoming rankings.
While Ole Miss’s playoff dreams appear dim at this stage, it is essential to recognize that the landscape of college football is unpredictable. Every game and ranking can change rapidly, and with one upset, teams can shift dramatically. Ole Miss may still have opportunities to reflect and regroup for future seasons, building on their strengths and learning from their challenges.
Summary: Ole Miss secured a victory over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl but did not improve their chances for the College Football Playoff. Analysts question the impact of their performance, especially after a previous loss to Florida. South Carolina’s recent win over Clemson has elevated them above Ole Miss in the rankings. As the playoff picture remains fluid, there is always potential for change in college football.