Oxford Excited as Ole Miss Rises in College Football Playoff Rankings!
In an electric atmosphere this past Saturday, the city of Oxford was buzzing with excitement as the Ole Miss Rebels knocked off the Georgia Bulldogs, making a significant statement in college football. With this huge victory, Ole Miss firmly put itself back into the discussion for the College Football Playoff (CFP). After suffering a narrow overtime loss to LSU last month, the Rebels have rebounded with three consecutive Southeastern Conference (SEC) wins—a feat that has fans dreaming big!
The Impact of the Big Win
The question on everyone’s lips was: how much did this victory over Georgia, a former Top 3 team, help Ole Miss’s playoff aspirations? Well, it turns out quite a bit! The Rebels surged five spots up the rankings to land at No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings released on Tuesday. This leap showcases how important that win was for Ole Miss, as they aim for a coveted playoff berth.
Looking ahead, the current standings suggest that if the postseason started today, Ole Miss would be scheduled to play against the No. 4 ranked Penn State on either December 20 or 21. Should they secure a victory there, their next opponent would be the BYU Cougars, currently ranked at No. 6 and leading the Big 12, thanks to their first-round bye.
Rivalry and Rankings
For context, Georgia’s defeat caused them to plummet nine spots down to No. 12. They now sit on the bubble as the first team out, thanks to Boise State snagging the highest spot among Group of 5 teams. Currently, Ole Miss boasts a respectable 2-1 record against Top 25 teams with wins over Georgia and No. 21 South Carolina, alongside that heartbreaking loss to No. 22 LSU.
While Ole Miss takes a much-needed break this weekend, fans are holding their breath as they watch implications of upcoming matchups between No. 7 Tennessee and Georgia, as well as No. 3 Texas at Arkansas. Each game could potentially swing the pendulum in favor of the Rebels!
The Path Ahead for the Rebels
Despite taking a break this weekend, Ole Miss (now 8-2 with a 4-2 record in the SEC) controls its own destiny regarding the College Football Playoff. The Coaches and Associated Press Polls recently boosted them into the Top 10 following the unexpected losses of two other ranked teams. As they gear up for the last stretch of the regular season, two more victories could solidify their place among college football’s elite.
Freshmen and fans alike are thrilled to see how Cayden Lee, the wide receiver who was generating buzz for a breakout season, has truly proven himself as a pivotal player for Ole Miss. Additionally, attention is on tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who has significantly contributed to the offense in recent weeks.
What Comes Next?
With anticipation bubbling, Lane Kiffin’s team is looking to build on this momentum. Following their bye week, they’ll be heading to Florida for what promises to be another thrilling game with potential playoff implications. It’s essential for the Rebels to keep winning if they want to stay in the playoff race.
This increase in ranking and recent wins have generated plenty of excitement and chatter among college football aficionados. Will Ole Miss continue their winning ways and make a push for the playoffs? As the leaves fall and November sets in, all eyes will be on Oxford and those determined Rebels!
