Ole Miss triumphed in the 2024 Egg Bowl, securing a 26-14 victory over Mississippi State on November 29. However, this win did little to bolster their chances of making it into the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Analysts highlighted the Rebels’ performance as lackluster, indicating that the selection committee would not raise their rankings despite the victory.
247 Sports’ Brad Crawford pointed out the futility of the win, suggesting that Ole Miss’ standing as the 14th-ranked team would remain unchanged unless an unprecedented series of events occurred during Rivalry Week. Fellow analyst Bud Elliot echoed this sentiment, commenting on the ineffective play of Mississippi State, which made Ole Miss’s performance seem even less impressive.
The Rebels’ playoff aspirations took a hit when they lost to Florida earlier in the season, which was seen as a pivotal matchup. A dominant win in the Egg Bowl would not have sufficiently validated their playoff candidacy, especially given that they trailed during the first half of the game.
Furthermore, South Carolina’s recent win against Clemson has propelled them ahead of Ole Miss in the playoff rankings, adding another layer of competition. For South Carolina to maintain their playoff hopes, several teams must lose in the upcoming games.
This scenario would have seemed improbable in August; however, as the season unfolded, unexpected outcomes have reshaped the playoff landscape. While Ole Miss faces challenges moving forward, their victory in the Egg Bowl reflects resilience and the competitive spirit inherent in college football. There is still hope for the Rebels to regroup and finish strong in future matchups, which could position them favorably for next season.
In summary, while Ole Miss celebrates their Egg Bowl victory, they must confront the harsh reality of the College Football Playoff implications, facing stronger contenders in their path.