Get ready for an exciting showdown as Ole Miss football takes on Tulane in the highly anticipated College Football Playoff!
The Battle for Playoff Glory
In a historic first, Ole Miss football has secured its spot in the College Football Playoff, and the stage is set for an epic clash against Tulane on December 20th. The Rebels, with an impressive 11-1 record, are hosting the Green Wave (11-2) in the opening round of the CFP. But here's where it gets controversial: Pete Golding, not the renowned Lane Kiffin, will be coaching Ole Miss. Golding, promoted from defensive coordinator, steps into the spotlight as Kiffin departs for LSU.
Coaching Chaos and a Balancing Act
Tulane, too, has its fair share of coaching drama. Coach Jon Sumrall, recently hired by Florida, is juggling two jobs and finishing the season with Tulane. And this is the part most people miss: Tulane already suffered a defeat at the hands of Ole Miss in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium earlier this season, with the Rebels dominating 45-10.
Live Updates and Game Highlights
The Clarion Ledger is your go-to source for all the live action, scores, and highlights from this thrilling encounter. As the game unfolds, keep an eye on the key moments and stats that could shape the outcome.
Injury Updates and Game-Changing Plays
Ole Miss tight end Caleb Odom's injury in the third quarter had fans on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, the Green Wave's trick play attempt backfired, with Jake Retzlaff fumbling and Ole Miss recovering at midfield. Lucas Carneiro's 48-yard field goal extended Ole Miss' lead, and Trinidad Chambliss, returning from injury, threw a touchdown pass to De'Zhaun Stribling.
Attendance Record and Halftime Score
The announced attendance of 68,251 broke the program's record at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, surpassing the previous mark of 68,138 set against Florida earlier this season. At halftime, Ole Miss led Tulane 17-3, with Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy both returning to the field after suffering injuries.
The Second Half: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
In the second quarter, Lucas Carneiro's 42-yard field goal extended Ole Miss' lead to 17-3. Tulane responded with a 39-yard field goal by Patrick Durkin, but Ole Miss maintained a comfortable 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. Trinidad Chambliss, the Ole Miss quarterback, scored a rushing touchdown, and Jake Retzlaff's interception for Tulane set the stage for Kewan Lacy's 20-yard rush, giving the Rebels an early 7-0 advantage.
Trinidad Chambliss: The Stats Don't Lie
Here's a breakdown of Trinidad Chambliss' impressive performance:
- Passing attempts: 19-for-25
- Passing yards: 239
- Passing touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- Rushing attempts: 3
- Rushing yards: 8
- Rushing touchdowns: 1
The Location and a Legendary Chant
Ole Miss, located in Oxford, Mississippi, is in the northern part of the state. During a timeout in the first quarter, former Ole Miss and NFL player Patrick Willis led the iconic "Hotty Toddy" chant, adding to the electric atmosphere.
Coaching Staff: Who Stayed and Who Left
While some coaches, like offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., remained with Ole Miss for the CFP, others, including tight ends coach Joe Cox and wide receivers coach George McDonald, joined Lane Kiffin at LSU.
Player Spotlight: Trinidad Chambliss
Trinidad Chambliss, the Ole Miss quarterback, hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and previously played at Ferris State in Michigan. Chambliss, who didn't start the season as the starter, took over for Austin Simmons and transferred from Division II Ferris State this season. He even placed eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting, an impressive feat.
CFP Games Today and Tomorrow
Today's CFP schedule features three games:
- (10) Miami (10-2) vs. (7) Texas A&M (11-1)
- (11) Tulane (11-2) vs. (6) Ole Miss (11-1)
- (12) James Madison (12-1) vs. (5) Oregon (11-1)
Alabama beat Oklahoma on December 19th and will face No. 1 seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
New Coach, Old Friends
Pete Golding, the new Ole Miss coach, received a warm welcome from the fans, with a loud applause as he walked onto the field. Golding was greeted by none other than former Ole Miss star quarterback Eli Manning.
Tulane's Coach and the Future
Tulane is currently coached by Jon Sumrall, who will be replaced by Will Hall, the former Southern Miss coach.
Game Time and Where to Watch
Ole Miss vs. Tulane kicks off on Saturday, December 20th, at 2:30 p.m. CT, in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford. You can catch the action live on TNT or stream it on HBO Max.
Predictions and Odds
Sam Hutchens of the Clarion Ledger predicts a 36-21 victory for Ole Miss, citing their dominant performance in the first game against Tulane. The opening lines give Ole Miss a significant advantage, with a spread of -16.5 and a moneyline of -900 for Ole Miss and +610 for Tulane.
Injury Report and Player Availability
Ole Miss:
- CB Cedrick Beavers (Out)
- LB Raymond Collins (Out)
- OL John Wayne Oliver (Out)
Tulane:
- LB Dickson Agu (Out)
- TE LeRon Husbands (Out)
- DE Gerrod Henderson (Out)
- DB Jayden Lewis (Out)
- K Cooper Heimke (Game time decision)
National Anthem and Pre-Game Entertainment
Country music artist Trace Adkins will sing the national anthem before the kickoff, adding to the pre-game excitement.
As the game approaches, the tension builds. Who will emerge victorious in this battle for playoff glory? Will Ole Miss dominate once again, or will Tulane pull off an upset? The answers await in this highly anticipated College Football Playoff showdown.
So, what do you think? Who will take home the win? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
