Ole Miss vs Tulane Playoff Showdown: Rematch Set for Historic CFP Clash

The Ole Miss Rebels host the Tulane Green Wave in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The game kicks off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Oxford, Mississippi. This is a stunning rematch of a September blowout. The winner advances to face Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

Ole Miss enters as heavy 17.5-point favorites according to major sportsbooks. The Rebels are led by interim head coach Pete Golding after Lane Kiffin’s departure. Tulane arrives as American Athletic Conference champions. This game promises high stakes and intense drama.

From September Blowout to December Showdown

These teams met in Week 4 with a very different result. Ole Miss dominated that game, winning 45-10 at home. Rebel quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns that day. Running back Kewan Lacy added two rushing scores in the lopsided victory.

Tulane’s offense struggled massively in the first meeting. Their quarterbacks combined for just 104 passing yards. The Green Wave failed to establish any consistent rhythm. That loss seems like a distant memory for a team that has since found its identity.

Both programs have undergone significant coaching changes since September. According to ESPN, Lane Kiffin shocked the college football world by leaving Ole Miss for LSU in early December. The Rebels promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding to lead the playoff run.

Tulane’s coach Jon Sumrall is also departing after the season. He accepted the head coaching position at the University of Florida. His team has rallied around him during this unique transition period.

Tulane’s Remarkable Turnaround Journey

The Green Wave have transformed since their September defeat. They won their final five regular season games to capture the AAC title. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff found his rhythm as the season progressed. His dual-threat ability gives Tulane a fighting chance.

Running back Jamauri McClure emerged as a key weapon. He rushed for 121 yards in the conference championship game. His role was minimal in the first matchup against Ole Miss. His development symbolizes Tulane’s overall growth.

Playing in the College Football Playoff is a historic achievement for Tulane. It marks the program’s first appearance in the expanded format. The team is embracing the underdog role in Oxford. They believe their improved roster can challenge the mighty Rebels.

Team sources indicate a focused and confident locker room. Players acknowledge the earlier loss but emphasize their evolution. They view Saturday as an opportunity for redemption on the national stage.

Kewan Lacy’s Dominant Season Drives Ole Miss

Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy is having a phenomenal year. He leads the nation with 20 rushing touchdowns this season. The sophomore has surpassed 1,200 rushing yards with consistent production. His performance against Florida in November was particularly spectacular.

Lacy rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns in that game. He followed it with another strong showing against Mississippi State. His ability to break big plays makes the Rebel offense incredibly dangerous. Tulane’s defense must contain him to have any hope.

The Rebel offense remains potent despite the coaching change. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is still calling plays. This provides crucial continuity for quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. The team’s explosive potential remains its greatest asset.

The Ole Miss vs Tulane playoff rematch represents the new reality of college football. Expect a passionate battle as both teams fight for a Sugar Bowl berth.

Thought you’d like to know-

What time is the Ole Miss vs Tulane playoff game?

The game starts at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. It will be broadcast on a major national network. Coverage typically begins 30 minutes before kickoff.

Who is coaching Ole Miss after Lane Kiffin left?

Defensive coordinator Pete Golding is the interim head coach. He was promoted when Kiffin departed for LSU in December. Golding will lead the team through the playoff run.

What was the score when these teams played in September?

Ole Miss won the regular season meeting 45-10. The game was played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford. It was not considered a competitive contest.

Where will the winner of this game play next?

The winner advances to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. They will face the No. 3 seed Georgia Bulldogs there. That game is scheduled for New Year’s Day.

Why is Tulane considered such a big underdog?

Tulane is a 17.5-point underdog due to Ole Miss’s superior talent and the earlier blowout. The Rebels have more depth and play in the tougher SEC conference. Sportsbooks see a significant gap between the programs.

How did Tulane qualify for the College Football Playoff?

Tulane won the American Athletic Conference championship. The Group of Five conference champion receives an automatic playoff berth. They finished the season with an 11-2 overall record.