Paul Finebaum, the outspoken voice of college football, sparked heated discussions this week when he described Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin as “desperate” for advocating for the Rebels to earn a College Football Playoff (CFP) bid. Despite his critique, Finebaum acknowledged his admiration for both Alabama’s perennial dominance and the culture Kiffin has built at Ole Miss, adding a nuanced twist to the brewing controversy.
Lane Kiffin, never one to shy away from a microphone, has been vocal about why his Ole Miss Rebels deserve consideration for the CFP. The Rebels, boasting a strong record in one of the nation’s toughest conferences, have showcased explosive offensive performances and a reinvigorated defense under Kiffin’s leadership.
Speaking after a recent victory, Kiffin argued, “Look at what we’ve done this season. We’ve played some of the toughest teams in the country, and we’ve proven we can compete at the highest level. The CFP should be about the best teams, and I think we’ve earned the right to be in that conversation.”
However, the Rebels’ two losses—against Alabama and Georgia—loom large in the eyes of the CFP committee and analysts like Finebaum. While Ole Miss has had an impressive season, the head-to-head defeat to Alabama makes it challenging for the Rebels to leapfrog their SEC rival in the rankings.
On his popular ESPN radio show, Finebaum didn’t mince words about Kiffin’s lobbying efforts.
“Lane Kiffin is a fantastic coach, but this constant stumping for a playoff spot comes off as desperate,” Finebaum said. “The reality is, when you lose to Alabama and Georgia, two teams that are clearly ahead of you, it’s hard to make a legitimate case. Kiffin knows this, but he’s trying to spin the narrative anyway.”
While Finebaum’s comments drew backlash from Ole Miss fans, the analyst was quick to clarify his respect for Kiffin and the program he’s built in Oxford. “Don’t get me wrong,” he added. “I love what Kiffin has done at Ole Miss. He’s made them relevant again, and that’s not an easy thing to do in the SEC West.”
Finebaum also reiterated his belief that Alabama remains the stronger candidate for the CFP. The Crimson Tide, under Nick Saban, have rebounded impressively after an early-season loss to Texas and are now poised to challenge Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.
“Alabama is Alabama,” Finebaum said. “They’ve proven time and again that they can win when it matters most. If they beat Georgia in the SEC title game, they’re in. No questions asked.”
This stance has further fueled the rivalry between Ole Miss and Alabama fans, with some Rebels supporters accusing Finebaum of bias.
Despite his critique, Finebaum expressed a personal fondness for Ole Miss and its fan base. “Ole Miss is one of the most passionate programs in college football,” he said. “The atmosphere in Oxford is electric, and Kiffin has brought a swagger that makes them a must-watch team. I may not agree with Lane on the CFP, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love what they’re doing.”
The debate over Ole Miss’ CFP chances highlights the challenges of competing in the SEC, where even elite teams can find themselves on the outside looking in. While Kiffin’s lobbying may not sway the CFP committee, it underscores the ambition and belief he has instilled in the program.
As the playoff race heats up, Finebaum’s comments serve as a reminder of the high stakes and fierce rivalries that define college football. Whether Ole Miss secures a spot or not, one thing is clear: under Lane Kiffin, the Rebels have become a force to be reckoned with—and a source of endless controversy and excitement.