Despite the recent coaching change, Ole Miss has risen to 6th place in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, according to ESPN. This remarkable achievement comes despite the departure of former coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, which initially raised concerns among Ole Miss officials. The selection committee's decision to move the Rebels up one spot to sixth place after their impressive 38-19 victory over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl is a testament to their resilience and the strength of their current team.
The committee's ranking reflects the team's outstanding performance, with Ole Miss winning 11 games in the regular season for the first time in school history. Their only loss was on the road against Georgia, 43-35 on October 18, and they have since won five straight games. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter expressed confidence in the team's ability to maintain their momentum, stating that the players are 'fired up and ready to go' and that the staff is 'ready to roll throughout the playoff run'.
The current rankings see Ohio State and Indiana maintaining their top positions, followed by Georgia, Texas Tech, and Oregon. The Bulldogs, Red Raiders, and Ducks moved up one spot after Texas A&M's loss to Texas. Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Notre Dame round out the top 10. BYU and Miami are ranked 11th and 12th, respectively.
The rankings also highlight the potential for two champions from the Group of Five leagues to secure bids in the 12-team playoff for the first time. If Duke, with five losses, can upset Virginia in the ACC championship game, it would be a significant upset. Miami, the highest-ranked team from the ACC, missed the league's title game, while Notre Dame remains two spots ahead of the Hurricanes despite their identical 10-2 records.
The final CFP rankings will be announced on Sunday, and the selection committee's handling of the Rebels' situation will be a key factor in determining their final position. With the team's impressive performance and the potential for a controversial upset, the upcoming rankings will be a closely watched event in the world of college football.
