The Tennessee Volunteers are on the brink of a College Football Playoff berth, and they have Lane Kiffin and his Ole Miss Rebels to thank for it. In a game with major CFP implications, Kiffin’s Rebels squandered a 21-point lead against a resurgent Alabama team, effectively eliminating themselves from playoff contention and, in turn, paving a clearer path for the Vols.
For Tennessee, the stars seem to be aligning. Sitting at 10-1 with a potential spot in the SEC Championship on the horizon, the Vols have benefited not only from their stellar play this season but also from the chaos that unfolded in Tuscaloosa.
Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels entered their matchup against Alabama as one of the few remaining threats to Tennessee’s playoff hopes. A win would have bolstered Ole Miss’ chances of overtaking Tennessee in the CFP rankings. For much of the first half, it looked like the Rebels were going to pull it off.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart had the Ole Miss offense humming, and the defense was making life difficult for Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. But as the game wore on, the Rebels fell apart. Turnovers, questionable play-calling, and missed opportunities turned a commanding lead into a devastating 42-35 loss.
Kiffin, known for his offensive ingenuity, was criticized for his overly conservative approach late in the game. Instead of pressing Alabama’s defense with the aggressive play-calling that got Ole Miss ahead, Kiffin leaned on the running game and failed to deliver in key moments. The loss not only knocked Ole Miss out of the playoff picture but also raised questions about Kiffin’s ability to win in high-stakes games.
The biggest beneficiary of Ole Miss’ collapse is undoubtedly Tennessee. The Vols, who have one loss to Georgia, now find themselves in a prime position to make the playoff. With Ole Miss effectively out of the picture, Tennessee faces less competition within the SEC for a top-four spot.
The Vols have been riding a wave of momentum all season under head coach Josh Heupel. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton and wide receiver Squirrel White, has been nearly unstoppable. Coupled with a defense that has made critical plays when needed, Tennessee has put together one of its most complete seasons in years.
For Tennessee, the path to the CFP is now clear but still requires a few more pieces to fall into place. First, the Vols must take care of business in their final regular-season game and, ideally, secure a spot in the SEC Championship. A win in Atlanta would all but guarantee their place in the playoff.
Second, Tennessee will need the selection committee to recognize their body of work as superior to other one-loss teams like Michigan, Ohio State, or Washington, depending on how the final rankings shake out.
Finally, the Vols must hope that their head-to-head loss to Georgia isn’t a deciding factor. Georgia remains undefeated and likely headed for the playoff, but Tennessee will be banking on their overall strength of schedule and dominant performances to earn the committee’s favor.
As for Lane Kiffin, his tenure at Ole Miss continues to be marked by near-misses and unfulfilled potential. Despite assembling talented rosters and contending for high-profile wins, Kiffin has yet to deliver the marquee victory that would elevate his program to elite status.
For Tennessee fans, there’s a poetic irony in Kiffin’s stumble benefiting their program. The former Vols head coach left Knoxville under controversial circumstances in 2010, and his career has since been defined by ups and downs. Now, his inability to close out Alabama may serve as a turning point in Tennessee’s quest for national glory.
The Tennessee Volunteers are closer than ever to their first College Football Playoff appearance, thanks in part to Lane Kiffin’s missteps. While the Vols must finish the season strong to lock in their spot, the pieces are falling into place for a historic run.
With the CFP within reach, Tennessee fans can thank not only their team’s hard work but also a little help from an old friend-turned-foe in Lane Kiffin. Whether the Vols capitalize on this opportunity remains to be seen, but for now, they stand on the doorstep of college football’s biggest stage.