Ole Miss vs. Tulane: College Football Playoff Preview, TV Schedule & Time
In an exciting College Football Playoff showdown, the Ole Miss Rebels face off against the Tulane Green Wave. This matchup is significant as it pairs two teams with strong seasons and key player performances.
Ole Miss Rebels Season Overview
The Rebels enter the playoff with an impressive record of 11-1. Their season began on a turbulent note, particularly after starting quarterback Austin Simmons suffered an ankle injury in Week 2. Simmons’ absence raised concerns for fans, but Trinidad Chambliss, a senior transfer from Ferris State, quickly stepped up.
Chambliss took the reins in Week 3 against Arkansas, amassing 353 passing yards and leading the team in rushing with 62 yards. In addition, during the following week against Tulane, he contributed over 400 total yards. His strong performance earned him a prolonged starting role, even after Simmons returned in Week 8.
Despite a narrow loss to Georgia, Ole Miss remained a formidable team with a potent offense, averaging 498.1 yards per game—ranking third nationally in FBS. Following Lane Kiffin’s announcement of leaving for LSU, the university appointed defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the new head coach, solidifying their leadership ahead of the playoffs.
Key Players for Ole Miss
- Trinidad Chambliss: Over 1,200 passing yards and just three interceptions.
- Offensive Power: Third in FBS with an average of 498.1 yards per game.
Tulane Green Wave Season Overview
The Green Wave also stood out this season, finishing with an 11-2 record and securing their second American Athletic Conference title by defeating North Texas 34-21. This victory was crucial, as it served as a qualifying match for the College Football Playoff.
Tulane’s quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, a BYU transfer, had a stellar season, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and leading the nation with 16 rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. His ability to adapt and create plays makes him a vital asset for Tulane.
Offensive Strategy for Tulane
- Dynamic Playmakers: Five receivers over 400 yards with ten different players catching touchdowns.
- Previous Matchup Performance: Retzlaff struggled against Ole Miss with 5 completions on 17 attempts.
Defensive Strengths
Tulane’s defense produced 15 interceptions this season, ranking them among the top three in turnover metrics within the playoff field. Although they face a well-protected quarterback in Chambliss, whose interception rate is low, the Green Wave will need to elevate their defensive performance to compete effectively.
Conclusion: A Mountain to Climb
The upcoming faceoff will test both teams significantly. Ole Miss benefits from home-field advantage and a dynamic offense. Meanwhile, Tulane must leverage their underdog status and learn from previous encounters to secure a win. The stakes are high, and both coaches will look to strategies developed through the season in hopes of advancing further in the playoffs.
