Tulane’s CFP Debut Sparks Historic Rematch with SEC Power Ole Miss

Tulane University’s football program has made history. The Green Wave earned their first-ever College Football Playoff berth this Sunday. They are seeded 11th and will face the 6th-seeded Ole Miss Rebels.

The first-round clash is set for December 20th in Oxford, Mississippi. This marks a stunning turnaround for a team that won just two games three seasons ago.

A Celebration Years in the Making for Wave

The team gathered to watch the bracket reveal. According to local reports, the room erupted when Tulane’s name appeared. Head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the media shortly after the celebration.

He reflected on the program’s rapid rise. Sumrall noted the pivotal role of veteran leaders. Players like Bryce Bohannon and Bailey Despanie were freshmen on the 2-10 team in 2021.

Their leadership helped shift the culture. Sumrall expressed immense pride in their journey. He called their 42 wins since then a remarkable testament.

Familiar Foe Presents Daunting Challenge

This playoff game is a rematch. Ole Miss defeated Tulane convincingly in a late-September meeting. Coach Sumrall acknowledged the challenge ahead.

He stated his team must be mentally tougher this time. Sumrall believes the current squad is more consistent. He emphasized controlling fundamentals against a talented opponent.

The coach also has a personal connection. He is friends with new Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding. Sumrall congratulated Golding on his new role.

This historic Tulane College Football Playoff appearance culminates an unprecedented rebuild. The Green Wave now seeks redemption on the national stage against a familiar SEC adversary.

A quick knowledge drop for you

When is the Tulane vs. Ole Miss playoff game?

The first-round College Football Playoff game is scheduled for Saturday, December 20th. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. Central Time. The game will be held at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford.

Where can I watch the CFP game?

The matchup will be televised on TNT. It will also be available for streaming on the Max platform. This is part of the new playoff television rights deal.

What was the score of the first meeting this season?

Ole Miss won the regular-season game decisively in late September. The Rebels’ performance highlighted the challenge Tulane now faces. The Green Wave aims for a significantly different result in the rematch.

How did Tulane qualify for the College Football Playoff?

The Green Wave earned an at-large bid after an impressive season. Their record and strength of schedule impressed the selection committee. This marks the first CFP appearance for any American Athletic Conference team.

Who is Ole Miss’s new head coach?

Pete Golding was recently named head coach after Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU. Golding and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall have a long-standing friendship. Sumrall believes the Rebels’ program will remain strong under his leadership.