Can Ole Miss make the College Football Playoff? Closer look at Rebels' postseason hopes
The Ole Miss Rebels entered Week 13 ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings. They appeared to be in a strong position to reach the postseason as they were coming off of their bye week with their remaining schedule featuring the Florida Gators and Mississippi State Bulldogs, who were a combined 6-13, and 2-10 in SEC play, entering the week.
Despite seemingly controlling their path to the postseason, the Rebels suffered a 24-17 upset loss to the Florida Gators to fall to 8-3 and 4-3 in SEC play. It was one of several big upsets on the weekend that saw multiple teams in the College Football Playoff picture fall to unranked opponents.
Here's a closer look at whether or not Ole Miss can still reach the College Football Playoff this season.
Can Ole Miss still make College Football Playoff? Closer look at Rebels' postseason hopes
The Ole Miss Rebels have a path to reach the College Football Playoff, however, they will need a lot of help down the stretch. While they had the opportunity to solidify their postseason case – even without a trip to the SEC Championship Game – the Rebels will likely drop out of postseason position when the postseason rankings are updated later this week.
Ole Miss did benefit from several other teams who appear to be on the bubble also suffering losses. Rebels fans will likely be rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs to win the SEC Championship Game as their statement win in Week 11 would look even better to the committee.
Ole Miss began the season on a tear with four consecutive non-conference wins against the FCS-level Furman Paladins, Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Georgia Southern Eagles. They were on a tear, outscoring their opponents 220-22 over that stretch.
The Rebels kicked off SEC play in Week 5, suffering a shock 20-17 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. They bounced back with a win over the South Carolina Gamecocks before falling to the LSU Tigers the following week. Ole Miss was able to rattle off a three-game winning streak, defeating the Oklahoma Sooners, Arkansas Razorbacks and Georgia Bulldogs.
After the last win, they appeared destined for the postseason with a seemingly easy final two games. Their Week 13 loss to the Florida Gators has put their chances of accomplishing that goal in jeopardy heading into their rivalry matchup with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.