Just like in the earlier contest, Ole Miss and Tulane are set to clash again after their first meeting this season. Back in Week 4, Ole Miss dominated with a 45-10 win at home. Now, three months later, the stakes are higher as these teams face off in the College Football Playoff.
Ole Miss (11-1)
The Rebels’ journey this season has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Early on, they lost starting quarterback Austin Simmons to an ankle injury in Week 2. Fans were left worried about how the team would cope. Enter Trinidad Chambliss, a senior who transferred from Ferris State. He stepped up against Arkansas, throwing for 353 yards and rushing for 62. This impressive debut set the stage for even greater performances in the following weeks, including a standout game against Tulane where he tallied over 400 total yards.
Chambliss has proven himself as a capable leader. Even when Simmons returned in Week 8, head coach Lane Kiffin decided to stick with Chambliss—who had racked up 1,227 yards in just four games. Ole Miss’s only loss came against Georgia, despite a valiant effort from Chambliss and the team.
However, a new twist emerged when Kiffin announced he would leave for LSU, and the school quickly promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding to head coach. This transition raised questions, but one thing is clear: Ole Miss boasts a dynamic offense. They rank third in FBS, averaging 498.1 yards per game, making them one of the toughest teams in the playoffs.
Tulane (11-2)
On the other side, Tulane claimed their second American Conference title this season by defeating North Texas 34-21. The AAC proved to be a fiercely competitive conference, with several teams vying for top honors. Tulane’s victory secured them a rematch with Ole Miss, one of only two teams that handed them a loss this year.
At the helm for Tulane is quarterback Jake Retzlaff, a BYU transfer who threw for nearly 3,000 yards this season. He leads the nation in rushing touchdowns for a quarterback with 16. Like Chambliss, Retzlaff isn’t afraid to run when pressured, making both players formidable threats.
Tulane’s receiving corps is diverse, with five players amassing over 400 yards, complicating defensive strategies. However, Retzlaff struggled in the first game against Ole Miss, completing just 5 of 17 passes. For Tulane to succeed this time, a stronger performance from him is essential.
Defensively, Tulane is known for creating turnovers, with 15 interceptions—ranking them third among playoff teams. Yet, Chambliss has been diligent in protecting the football, throwing only three interceptions all season.
This upcoming matchup will test both teams thoroughly. Tulane will need to bring its A-game if they hope to pull off an upset against Ole Miss in front of a passionate crowd.
With these intense storylines, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling playoff game. As college football continues to evolve, both teams demonstrate how resilience and adaptability are vital in high-stakes scenarios. To stay updated on the playoffs, follow trusted sources like ESPN and NCAA.
