College Football Playoff Race: Why Ole Miss Faces a Potentially Devastating Reality
A steep drop in the poll
Ole Miss entered the season’s first College Football Playoff poll at No. 10. In the second poll, released Tuesday, the Rebels fell to No. 19 after losing 42-7 to Georgia.
With three games remaining, the team has little room for another setback. The article says Ole Miss must win out and could also need results elsewhere to improve its chances of earning an at-large spot.
Other contenders could help
The article describes a crowded playoff picture in a season marked by parity, with the possibility that multiple 9-3 teams could remain in contention. It says Ole Miss fans have reason to watch other three-loss programs and hope the group of contenders shrinks.
Oregon was ranked No. 16 and had Michigan, Michigan State and Washington remaining. Ohio State, at No. 20, still faced Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan; the article says another loss by either team would eliminate it from playoff contention.
SEC teams in the mix
The article says Ole Miss has a stronger case among SEC teams because its main conference rivals are opponents it has already beaten. LSU, coached by Lane Kiffin, was 6-3 and ranked No. 21, with Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas remaining.
Missouri was No. 22 and would need to beat Georgia in Athens to strengthen its case. South Carolina, which had won four straight conference games, rose to No. 17 and sat ahead of Ole Miss in the poll.
A narrow path remains
ESPN’s Allstate Playoff Predictor gave Ole Miss about a 37% chance to reach the playoff. The article characterizes the Rebels’ path as difficult, with wins and favorable results elsewhere both important.
A 24-team playoff would have offered Ole Miss more room, according to the article. Under the current format, it remains uncertain whether a team with three losses can receive an at-large bid.
Key points
- Ole Miss fell from No. 10 to No. 19 after losing 42-7 to Georgia.
- The Rebels have three regular-season games left and need to win out.
- ESPN’s Allstate Playoff Predictor gives Ole Miss about a 37% playoff chance.
- Oregon, Ohio State, LSU, Missouri and South Carolina could affect the playoff picture.