Ole Miss Triumphs in CFP Debut Despite Coaching Change
In a commanding display of resilience following Lane Kiffin’s controversial departure, Ole Miss handily defeated Tulane 41-10 in their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. The sixth-seeded Rebels showed no signs of distraction despite the unusual coaching situation that saw defensive coordinator Pete Golding elevated to head coach after Kiffin left for SEC rival LSU. The victory was remarkably similar to their regular-season win over the Green Wave, demonstrating that the team’s on-field performance remained unaffected by the off-field drama.
Trinidad Chambliss proved instrumental in the Rebels’ success, overcoming a brief injury scare to deliver an impressive performance with one passing touchdown and two rushing scores. The quarterback was evaluated for a concussion late in the first half but returned for Ole Miss’ first possession of the third quarter, seamlessly resuming his command of the offense. His resilience mirrored that of his team, who maintained focus despite the coaching upheaval. Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff managed to move the ball at times, finishing with 306 passing yards and a touchdown, but the Green Wave could never seriously threaten the Rebels’ comfortable lead.
The game took place amid a backdrop of local frustration with Kiffin, whose departure created a unique situation in college football. Kiffin had requested to continue coaching Ole Miss through the playoffs while simultaneously working for LSU, a request that athletic director Keith Carter understandably denied. The sentiment in Oxford was visible in the famed Grove, where tailgating fans displayed artwork depicting Kiffin on the “naughty” list and Golding on the “nice” column. Interestingly, Tulane faced a similar situation with their coach Jon Sumrall, who was permitted to remain with the team despite accepting the head coaching position at Florida, creating a contrast in how the two programs handled coaching transitions.
For Tulane, the loss continued a concerning trend for non-Power Five conference teams, who dropped to 0-3 in College Football Playoff games. Despite the Green Wave’s impressive season that earned them the 11th seed in the expanded playoff format, they couldn’t overcome the talent gap against Ole Miss. The defeat highlighted the ongoing challenges facing schools outside the traditional power conferences in college football’s biggest stage, with James Madison remaining the lone non-Power Five representative in this year’s playoff – though they too struggled mightily against Oregon in their concurrent first-round matchup.
The victory demonstrates Ole Miss’s resilience and depth as an organization, successfully navigating a potentially destabilizing coaching change right before their most significant game. Pete Golding’s promotion from defensive coordinator to head coach proved seamless, suggesting the program’s systems and culture remained strong despite Kiffin’s abrupt exit. The players’ focus never wavered, executing their game plan with precision and maintaining the high level of performance that earned them their playoff berth. This ability to overcome adversity bodes well for the program’s future, regardless of who leads them moving forward.
With the victory, Ole Miss advances to the quarterfinals where they’ll face a formidable opponent in Georgia at the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. The matchup presents an opportunity for the Rebels to continue their impressive run and prove that their program transcends any single coach. For a team that entered “arguably the most significant game ever played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium” under unusual circumstances, the decisive victory over Tulane serves as both vindication of their playoff worthiness and a statement that Ole Miss football remains a force regardless of who roams the sideline. As they prepare for the Bulldogs, the Rebels carry momentum and confidence from a performance that showed their championship mettle.
