Week 10 Loss: Paul Finebaum Rules SEC Giant Out of CFP Contention

Finebaum draws a playoff line

Finebaum said Sunday on ESPN’s The Matt Barrie Show that Ole Miss could still have a successful season and earn a bowl appearance, but would not make a second straight playoff run. The Rebels won two playoff games under Pete Golding before losing to Miami in a Fiesta Bowl semifinal.

The analyst had also said on Saturday night that Georgia coach Kirby Smart had delivered the decisive blow. Finebaum pointed to Georgia’s earlier loss to Auburn as a turning point, saying it helped sharpen the Bulldogs.

Georgia dominates in Oxford

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss passed for 170 yards, was sacked four times and was responsible for both Rebels turnovers. Matt Barrie noted that running back Kewan Lacy was injured; Lacy dislocated his shoulder in the Oct. 24 loss at Texas and had no carries against Georgia.

Ole Miss faces a crowded race

Ole Miss is 6-3 overall and 4-3 in the SEC. Although it was ranked No. 10 in the first playoff rankings, Kentucky and Texas were placed ahead of the Rebels, and Tennessee could rise after beating Kentucky. ESPN’s playoff predictor still put Ole Miss’ chances at 41% following the Georgia loss.

The Rebels’ remaining schedule includes a Nov. 14 visit to Oklahoma, a Nov. 21 home game against Wofford and a Nov. 27 matchup with Mississippi State. Winning all three would not guarantee a playoff place.

Golding takes responsibility

Golding became head coach after Lane Kiffin left for LSU. Finebaum praised Golding’s effort to hold the team together after Kiffin’s departure, while saying that work had now been undone.

After the Georgia defeat, Golding accepted responsibility, saying the performance was unacceptable and that it started with him. Finebaum also noted LSU’s 31-13 home loss to Alabama, which left Kiffin’s team at 6-3.