The Ole Miss Rebels triumphed in the 2024 Egg Bowl, a famed tradition in Mississippi, defeating Mississippi State 26-14 on November 29. However, their victory did little to improve their standing in the race for a spot in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Analysts, including Brad Crawford from 247 Sports, expressed skepticism about Ole Miss’s chances of being favorably viewed by the selection committee following their performance in the Egg Bowl. He stated that the win would not enhance the Rebels’ ranking, especially in light of their previous setback against Florida, which effectively dashed their playoff hopes.
Another commentator, Bud Elliot, echoed this sentiment, observing that Mississippi State’s struggles led Ole Miss to win without having to display their best form. He suggested that many SEC teams were not playing to their potential against the Bulldogs, further highlighting Ole Miss’s lackluster performance despite securing the victory.
Additionally, the College Football Playoff picture shifted significantly with South Carolina’s recent win over Clemson, which allowed the Gamecocks to surpass Ole Miss in the rankings. Crawford noted that South Carolina would need some favorable outcomes for their playoff aspirations, as they could still break through to the top tier with the right mix of losses from other teams.
The narrative surrounding Ole Miss underscores the unpredictable nature of college football, particularly in a season filled with unexpected twists. While this season may not have gone as planned for Ole Miss, it has set the stage for future opportunities as they continue to develop their program and recruit talent.
In summary, Ole Miss may need to reassess their strategy and focus on refining their gameplay if they hope to return to playoff contention. The shifting dynamics in the rankings serve as a reminder that every game counts, and the competition remains fierce. As they look ahead, the Rebels have the potential to bounce back stronger next season.