Lane Kiffin Puts Heat on CFP Bracket After Ole Miss Pounds Georgia: So, Who’s Left Out
In a season full of shakeups and surprises, Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels delivered a statement win against the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs, adding yet another wrinkle to the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. With the 2023 season nearing its final stretch, Ole Miss’s resounding victory over Georgia raises a pressing question: who will be left out of the CFP bracket?
Kiffin’s Ole Miss squad didn’t just win—they dominated. The Rebels’ impressive performance against a team that has consistently been ranked in the top tier underlines that they’re not just contenders; they’re serious threats. The College Football Playoff committee now faces the difficult task of considering an Ole Miss team whose resume just became significantly more impressive. With Georgia’s loss and the Rebels’ surge, the playoff debate has taken on new dimensions, placing immense pressure on the committee to make some
The CFP bracket typically includes the best four teams in college football, but with a crowded pool of top-tier talent this season, the committee’s selection process is anything but straightforward. Going into the matchup, Georgia was regarded as one of the more stable teams vying for a playoff spot. Their historic defense, combined with consistent offensive execution, had kept them afloat even in the competitive SEC. Ole Miss, meanwhile, was seen as a dark horse, an impressive team but not quite considered a championship favorite. That all changed after Saturday night.
By overwhelming Georgia, Kiffin’s team proved that they’re capable of competing with—and beating—the best. This victory will likely boost Ole Miss up the rankings, positioning them as a team that could potentially unseat other playoff hopefuls. With only four slots available, every contender will now be scrutinizing each other’s wins and losses, hoping for a favorable outcome. So, who could be left on the outside looking in if the Rebels continue their march?
1. **Georgia Bulldogs**
Despite their recent success and two national championships, Georgia is now in a precarious position. With a loss to Ole Miss, their path to the playoff has become more difficult, especially in a year where multiple SEC teams are vying for supremacy. Although Georgia’s resume remains strong, the defeat puts them at risk of missing the playoff if they don’t bounce back convincingly.
2. **Alabama Crimson Tide**
Alabama remains a powerhouse with a strong case for a playoff spot, especially if they maintain their success through the SEC championship. However, if Ole Miss continues to climb, they could potentially threaten Alabama’s standing. If Alabama were to lose another game, it could solidify Ole Miss’s position above them in the committee’s eyes.
3. **Michigan Wolverines**
The Wolverines have remained a top contender this season, but the Big Ten has its own complications. If Michigan falls to Ohio State in their annual showdown, it could push them out of the picture. With a strong showing from the SEC, the committee might prioritize Ole Miss if Michigan has even a single blemish on their record.
4. **Pac-12 Contenders (Washington/Oregon)**
The Pac-12 has seen a resurgence this year, with Washington and Oregon both in the hunt. However, a one-loss Pac-12 champion could struggle to compete with a one-loss SEC team like Ole Miss. Given the committee’s historical favor toward the SEC, the Rebels’ success could lead to the exclusion of a Pac-12 team, despite the conference’s resurgence in quality and competition.
5. **Florida State Seminoles**
Florida State has enjoyed a strong season and has a relatively favorable schedule compared to other CFP contenders. However, if Ole Miss’s resume continues to build and the Rebels look like one of the best teams in the nation, Florida State’s inclusion could be questioned, especially if they don’t win the ACC convincingly.
For the Rebels, the pathway to the CFP is far from guaranteed, but the win over Georgia places them in the thick of the conversation. If Ole Miss can continue to secure wins, their case for inclusion will strengthen, especially with Lane Kiffin’s offense putting up impressive numbers and the defense showing it can contain elite teams.
Key games ahead could determine whether Ole Miss locks in a spot. They’ll need to finish the season strong and hope other top teams stumble along the way. Additionally, a potential rematch with Alabama or Georgia in the SEC Championship could further bolster their case, either solidifying them as the conference’s best team or casting doubt if they fall short.
The CFP selection process is always contentious, and this season might be one of the most challenging yet. The committee will have to weigh the SEC’s power against other conferences, deciding whether Ole Miss’s late-season surge and quality wins are more impressive than the records of teams like Michigan, Oregon, or Florida State.
The Rebels’ triumph over Georgia has added another layer of intrigue, pushing the committee to think critically about the value of head-to-head matchups, overall strength of schedule, and the level of competition faced in each conference. With Kiffin leading a rejuvenated Ole Miss squad, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if this SEC powerhouse can punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff.
In the end, Ole Miss’s shocking win over Georgia has effectively shaken up the CFP bracket, creating the potential for a reshuffling of the top contenders. If the Rebels keep up their momentum, they could knock out a more established name, reminding everyone that the race to the championship is wide open.