Ole Miss Dominates Tulane in College Football Playoff Debut Amid Coaching Turmoil
OXFORD, Miss. — In a College Football Playoff debut marked by unexpected upheaval, Ole Miss showcased resilience and dominance, cruising past Tulane 41-10 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The Rebels overcame the midseason departure of head coach Lane Kiffin, who left to join rival LSU, with defensive coordinator Pete Golding stepping up to lead the team through arguably the most significant game ever played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who briefly left the field for concussion evaluation during the first half, returned to lead the offense with poise, finishing with one passing touchdown and two rushing scores. Despite Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s efforts to move the ball, including 306 yards passing and a touchdown, the Green Wave could not keep pace with the Rebels, who maintained control throughout the game.
The Rebels’ victory mirrored their dominant 45-10 win over Tulane earlier this season in September, underscoring Ole Miss’s superiority in this matchup. Tulane’s loss also continued the struggle for non-Power Five conference teams in the playoffs, dropping their record to 0-3 this postseason. James Madison remains the lone non-Power Five team still competing, facing a steep challenge against Oregon.
Lane Kiffin’s departure had stirred controversy, as he requested to continue coaching Ole Miss through the playoffs while simultaneously working for LSU, a fellow Southeastern Conference rival. However, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter denied the request, prompting the promotion of Pete Golding from defensive coordinator to head coach just days before the game. Golding’s leadership was pivotal in steadying the team amid the coaching transition.
Ole Miss’s success in the College Football Playoff reflects the program’s growing stature in college football, especially within the highly competitive SEC. The Rebels will now face Georgia in the quarterfinals, a matchup that promises to test their mettle further.
For more on the College Football Playoff and team updates, visit the NCAA official site and the Southeastern Conference homepage. Fans can also follow the latest scores and analysis on ESPN College Football and review team statistics through the NCAA statistics portal.
Ole Miss’s ability to maintain focus and execute a dominant game plan despite the coaching shake-up speaks volumes about the team’s depth and determination. As the Rebels prepare for the next round, all eyes will be on how Golding’s leadership and the team’s talent coalesce against one of college football’s elite programs.
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