The Ole Miss Rebels celebrated a victory in the 2024 Egg Bowl, defeating Mississippi State 26-14 on November 29. However, this win did little to enhance their chances of securing a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Analysts from 247 Sports expressed skepticism about Ole Miss’s standing, with Brad Crawford stating that the Rebels are unlikely to rise in the rankings following their performance, regardless of the outcome of other games during Rivalry Week.
Further commentary from fellow analyst Bud Elliot suggested that Mississippi State’s struggling season may have allowed Ole Miss to win despite not showcasing their best form. He posited that SEC teams, with the exception of Arkansas, might have held back against the Bulldogs, implying that Ole Miss managed to win without any significant display of skill.
A significant blow to Ole Miss’s playoff aspirations came when they lost to Florida earlier in the season, which was viewed as a crucial opportunity to prove their worth. Many believe that for Ole Miss to impress the selection committee, they needed a dominant performance in the Egg Bowl, one that did not materialize as they trailed in the first half.
As a result of recent performances, South Carolina has now surpassed Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff rankings, following their victory over Clemson in Week 14. It’s noted that South Carolina would require a few upsets to improve their playoff chances, but the dynamic landscape of college football means that unexpected outcomes can often occur.
Despite the challenges faced, the 2024 season has offered Ole Miss opportunities for growth and improvement moving forward. With the right adjustments and performances in the coming years, they could regain their competitive edge and make a stronger case for a playoff position.
In summary, while Ole Miss claimed victory in the Egg Bowl, their playoff prospects appear dim, especially with South Carolina now ascending in the rankings due to their own success. This could serve as a motivating factor for the Rebels to recalibrate and strive for greater accomplishments in future seasons.