Ole Miss football, ranked No. 9, seemingly positioned itself for a spot in the College Football Playoff after a stunning victory over No. 2 Georgia just two weeks ago. The Rebels needed to secure two more wins to solidify their chances. However, following a 24-17 loss to unranked Florida this past Saturday, Ole Miss now faces a challenging road, likely missing out on the CFP once again under head coach Lane Kiffin.
Entering the game with a favorable No. 9 ranking and a 65.9% probability of making the playoffs, as evaluated by ESPN’s College Football Power Index, the Rebels were in a strong position. Victory over Florida and their upcoming match against Mississippi State would have significantly boosted their chances of making the inaugural 12-team playoff, regardless of conference championship results. Instead, the setback saw their playoff likelihood plummet to just 4%, dramatically reducing their hopes of hearing their name called on December 8.
The loss repositions Ole Miss to potentially fall out of the 12-team playoff bracket, likely placing them as one of the “first teams out.” With a challenging landscape of one- and two-loss teams ahead in the SEC standings, including Texas, Alabama, and Georgia, their chances as a conference champion also appear dim. The Rebels, now at 8-3 overall and 4-3 in SEC play, have only one conference game remaining against Mississippi State next Friday, known as the Egg Bowl.
Despite their disappointment, the Rebels can take this final game as an opportunity for redemption and aim to finish the season on a high note. A victory over their rival might not secure a playoff spot, but it could bolster team morale and lay a positive foundation for the next season.
In summary, Ole Miss’ CFP aspirations took a severe hit with the Florida loss, but with one more game on the schedule, they have a chance to conclude their season positively, emphasizing resilience amid adversity.