On November 29, Ole Miss continued the Thanksgiving tradition of the Egg Bowl by defeating Mississippi State with a score of 26-14. Despite this victory, the Rebels failed to enhance their chances of making it into the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Brad Crawford from 247 Sports expressed skepticism regarding Ole Miss’s playoff prospects, stating that their performance did little to impress the selection committee.
Crawford pointed out that merely beating Mississippi State, a team viewed as struggling, would not significantly raise Ole Miss’s status in the playoff rankings. Meanwhile, fellow 247 Sports analyst Bud Elliot suggested that teams in the SEC, excluding Arkansas, played conservatively against Mississippi State, indicating that Ole Miss’s lackluster performance overshadowed their win.
Ole Miss’s playoff hopes have dimmed further after a previous loss to Florida in a critical game for their postseason aspirations. Their inability to dominate decisively in the Egg Bowl detracted from the significance of their win. Compounding matters, South Carolina has leapfrogged Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff rankings following a win over Clemson, raising questions about the Rebels’ position.
Crawford noted that for South Carolina to remain in contention for the playoffs, they would need some outcomes to break their way, with a mix of favorable results needed from other teams. Just a few months ago, it seemed implausible that South Carolina could surpass Ole Miss in playoff discussions.
While Ole Miss may be feeling the pressure, this end-of-season scenario serves as a powerful reminder of the fierce competition in college football. The unpredictability of rankings and the potential for last-minute changes fuel excitement among fans and teams alike. As the college football season continues to unfold, the outcomes of the upcoming games can still reshape the playoff landscape, offering hope for a thrilling conclusion to the season.