The prospects for Ole Miss reaching the College Football Playoff appear increasingly certain. The Rebels might even secure the opportunity to host a game in the initial round. However, the enduring question remains: Will Lane Kiffin remain at the helm during the postseason?
This question continues to be at the forefront of discussions, following the No. 7 Rebels’ decisive 38-19 victory against their rival, Mississippi State, on Friday. With an impressive 11-1 regular-season record, Ole Miss is positioned to host a playoff game on either December 19 or 20, contingent on their current College Football Playoff ranking. The ultimate determination of the game’s location hinges significantly on Kiffin’s upcoming decision.
The sixth-year head coach of Ole Miss is anticipated to make an announcement on Saturday, clarifying his intentions regarding staying with the program or accepting a position elsewhere, potentially with LSU. Kiffin’s job status has been a dominant topic within college football throughout the latter half of November, considering his pivotal role in what could unfold as a significant coaching shuffle.
Immediately following the game, Kiffin conveyed that he was still in the process of evaluating his future.
Responding to a question from ESPN, Kiffin stated, “No, I haven’t. I need to dedicate significant time to reflection and prayer to come to a decision tomorrow.”
Should Kiffin choose to remain, it is widely assumed that Ole Miss will commence the postseason with a home game. Conversely, if Kiffin decides to depart, the Rebels might find themselves competing on the road. College Football Playoff selection committee chair Hunter Yurachek indicated earlier in the week that the committee could factor in Kiffin’s departure when making their final seeding decisions, particularly if he is not coaching the team during the postseason. It is difficult to definitively predict whether the committee would lower Ole Miss’ ranking to No. 9 or even No. 10 in the absence of Kiffin. The committee’s decision remains uncertain as well.
During Friday’s game, Ole Miss encountered minimal resistance from Mississippi State. The Rebels accumulated 10 consecutive points after Mississippi State narrowed Ole Miss’ lead to eight points early in the second half. Subsequently, with the lead reduced to 12 points at the 10:40 mark, Trinidad Chambliss connected with Deuce Alexander for an 88-yard touchdown pass two plays later, effectively securing the victory.
Chambliss concluded the game with 23 completions out of 34 attempts, amassing 359 passing yards and four touchdowns. Impressively, four players exceeded 66 receiving yards.
Mississippi State freshman QB Kamario Taylor made his first start of the season. Taylor demonstrated his potential as the Bulldogs’ future QB by rushing 20 times for 173 yards and two scores. Taylor’s inaugural career start coincided not only with MSU’s rivalry game but also with the Bulldogs’ postseason aspirations at stake. Mississippi State required a sixth win to qualify for a bowl game but ultimately concluded the season with a 5-7 record.
The rivalry also featured its characteristic moment of tension during the first half. A brief altercation erupted following an apparent fumble by Chambliss — the play was later overturned upon review — with Mississippi State players even leaving the sideline.
Despite the seemingly dramatic nature of the incident, no ejections occurred. The penalties assessed were limited to three personal fouls, and the penalties offset.
