Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is not holding back his frustration after the release of the penultimate College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday evening. The Rebels landed at No. 13, trailing both Miami and Alabama, which could very well seal their postseason fate. With the stakes so high, Kiffin’s ire is understandable. After all, his team has fought hard this season, and to be left in the shadows of these rivals feels unjust.
Understanding the Rankings: What Went Wrong for Ole Miss?
The decision to place Ole Miss behind Alabama likely stems from a combination of factors, including strength of schedule and a couple of disappointing losses. The Rebels suffered defeats against a Kentucky team that failed to qualify for a bowl game and an LSU squad that will finish the regular season unranked. These losses weigh heavily on their ranking and have left fans and players alike wondering what could have been.
Moreover, Ole Miss boasts only the No. 31 strength of schedule, while Alabama enjoys a stronger No. 17 ranking in that department, according to ESPN. This discrepancy raises questions: How much does strength of schedule truly impact playoff rankings? And can a couple of bad losses overshadow a team’s overall performance?
Kiffin’s Outspoken Criticism
This isn’t the first time Lane Kiffin has voiced his displeasure with the College Football Playoff committee. In the lead-up to the rankings, Kiffin was vocal about his belief that Ole Miss should be ranked ahead of Alabama. He even took to social media to express his thoughts, posting an article that highlighted the teams most deserving of better rankings, with Ole Miss sitting at No. 2 on that list.
In a previous post on X, Kiffin used point differential against common opponents as a compelling argument for why Ole Miss deserved a higher ranking than Alabama. He even tagged the official CFP account in that post, clearly hoping to spark some dialogue, but it seems his efforts fell on deaf ears.
The Case for Ole Miss
When comparing Ole Miss and Alabama, there are some intriguing parallels. Both teams defeated South Carolina, the other three-loss SEC team that had a shot at an at-large bid. However, while the Rebels dominated the Gamecocks, Alabama barely scraped by with a two-point victory. This raises the question: Shouldn’t the manner in which teams win be taken into account when determining playoff rankings?
The ESPN article that Kiffin shared argues that the strength of schedule difference is not as significant as some may believe. It also posits that Alabama’s losses were just as damaging as the games Ole Miss dropped. If that’s the case, why is Ole Miss being penalized so heavily?
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Playoffs
With neither Ole Miss nor Alabama playing for a conference championship this weekend, it seems unlikely that they will leapfrog each other in the final rankings. This scenario leaves Kiffin and his team in a precarious position. What does the future hold for the Rebels? Will they find themselves on the outside looking in when the final rankings are released?
The frustration is palpable among the Ole Miss faithful, who feel that their team has been overlooked. Kiffin’s passionate defense of his squad resonates with fans who have witnessed the hard work and dedication put forth by the players. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you believe your team has done enough to warrant a better ranking.
A Season of High Hopes
As the season winds down, it’s essential to reflect on what Ole Miss has accomplished. The Rebels have shown resilience and skill, battling through a challenging schedule. While the playoff rankings may not reflect their efforts, the foundation has been laid for future success. Kiffin has built a competitive program, and the potential for growth is evident.
In the world of college football, rankings can be fickle, and opinions can vary widely. But one thing is certain: Kiffin has every right to feel that his team was snubbed. As fans, we must continue to support our teams and advocate for the recognition they deserve.
So, as we look ahead to the final rankings and the upcoming bowl season, let’s keep the conversation going. What changes need to be made to the ranking system? How can we ensure that deserving teams like Ole Miss receive the recognition they’ve earned? The debate is far from over, and college football fans are eager to see how it all unfolds.
In this passionate sport, every game counts, and every ranking tells a story. As the final chapter of the season approaches, let’s hope for a resolution that honors the hard work and dedication of all the teams involved.
