The Rebels didn’t just win; they dominated. Scoring 26 points while keeping the Bulldogs at bay with only 14. That’s no small feat, especially in a rivalry game that’s always intense.
Ole Miss tallied an impressive 397 offensive yards. They held the ball for over half the game, clocking in at 31 minutes and 44 seconds. Possession was clearly on their side.
- Defense was the key: three turnovers forced on Mississippi State.
- Rushing was stifled: Bulldogs gained just 39 yards on 30 attempts.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart had a solid outing. Completing 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. Plus, he added 77 yards on five carries. Not bad, right?
Tailback Ulysses Bentley IV was the star of the day. He carried the ball 20 times, racking up 136 yards and scoring a touchdown. His performance was crucial in keeping the offense moving.
Overall, the Rebels showcased a balanced attack, both passing and rushing effectively to keep the defense on their toes. It was a well-rounded effort that paid off in the end.
Playoff Prospects and Challenges
Ole Miss finished their regular season at 9-3, but there’s a catch. They won’t be playing in the SEC Championship, which complicates their playoff hopes. Entering the game as the No. 14 team in the rankings doesn’t exactly scream “playoff material.”
Here’s the thing: only 12 teams make it to the College Football Playoff. Five of those spots are reserved for conference champions. So, Ole Miss isn’t one of them.
They need a bit of luck. If some unexpected outcomes occur in other games, it might open a door for them. They’re banking on the committee valuing their strong wins and overall performance.
Looking at the numbers, it’s a tough road ahead. The SEC is always competitive, and the Rebels have to stand out among many other talented teams. But hey, nothing’s impossible in sports, right?
Current Ranking | Record | Conference | Playoff Chances |
---|---|---|---|
14 | 9-3 | SEC | Low |
As it stands, Ole Miss has to hope that the remaining games in the season shake things up. If other high-ranking teams stumble, there might be a spot for the Rebels in the playoff.
It’s a slim chance, but with their performance this season, they’ve shown they have what it takes. Time will tell if their efforts will be enough to tip the scales in their favor.
Fans Weigh In on Rebels’ Playoff Chances
Social media is buzzing with debates about Ole Miss’ chances to make the playoff. Fans are split on whether their SEC schedule and strong record are enough to push them ahead of other programs with better records.
Some supporters argue that the Rebels have consistently performed well against tough opponents. They believe that Ole Miss deserves recognition for their hard-fought victories.
Others, however, think that the Rebels are up against teams with stronger resumes. They worry that without winning the SEC Championship, Ole Miss might be overlooked.
The conversation online is heated. Fans are using hashtags and sharing their opinions across platforms. It’s clear that the team has a passionate following that’s invested in their playoff aspirations.
Regardless of the outcome, the support for Ole Miss remains strong. The community is rallying behind the Rebels, hoping that their efforts will be rewarded in the postseason.
Alabama, Indiana, SMU, Tennessee, Clemson, and Notre Dame are all set to play on Saturday. The results of these games could be pivotal for Ole Miss. If most of these teams come out on top, Ole Miss might find themselves in a premier bowl game, just outside the playoff bracket.
But even if they don’t make the cut, the Rebels have had a solid season. With a record of 43-18 under head coach Lane Kiffin, the future looks bright for Ole Miss.