Full Breakdown
Ole Miss Prepares for Historic College Football Playoff Matchup Against Tulane
12/18/2025, 6:55:36 AM
Overview of the Matchup
The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels (11-1) are set to host the No. 11 Tulane Green Wave (11-2) in their first-ever College Football Playoff game on December 20, 2025, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This rematch follows a dominant 45-10 victory by Ole Miss earlier in the season. The game marks a significant moment for Ole Miss, as they navigate the transition following the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, with defensive coordinator Pete Golding stepping in as interim head coach.
Key Players and Performance
In their previous encounter, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss excelled, throwing for 307 yards and rushing for 112 yards. Chambliss has continued to perform well, averaging 3,500 total yards this season. Conversely, Tulane's quarterback Jake Retzlaff struggled in the first game, completing only 5 of 17 passes for 56 yards. Since then, Retzlaff has improved, averaging 220.2 passing yards per game and contributing significantly to Tulane's offense, which has averaged nearly 31 points per game in recent outings.
Coaching Dynamics
The coaching situation adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. Golding aims to maintain the offensive momentum established under Kiffin, while Tulane's Jon Sumrall, who has accepted a position at Florida, will coach the Green Wave through the playoffs. Golding emphasized the importance of focusing on the team's mission rather than the coaching changes, stating, “Energy and effort have never been an issue with our group.”
Betting Odds and Predictions
Oddsmakers have made Ole Miss a 17.5-point favorite heading into the game. The Rebels' high-powered offense, ranked 11th nationally in scoring, will face a Tulane defense that has struggled against the pass, ranking 122nd in the nation. Analysts predict that Ole Miss's offensive capabilities will likely overwhelm Tulane unless the Green Wave can significantly improve their defensive performance.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Ole Miss, some analysts caution that the absence of Kiffin could disrupt the team's rhythm. The Green Wave, coming off a conference championship win, are expected to present a more formidable challenge than in their previous meeting. Sumrall acknowledged the need for Tulane to play a better game, stating, “We have to play a better football game than we played the last time in Oxford.”
What's at Stake
The winner of this matchup will advance to face the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2026. This playoff appearance is historic for Ole Miss, marking the first time a Mississippi team has reached this stage in college football.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the opportunity to compete for a championship based on what you’ve done up until this point and what you’ve earned,” — Pete Golding, Interim Head Coach, Ole Miss
- “We have to play a better football game than we played the last time in Oxford, Miss., because last time we played rotten and they played good,” — Jon Sumrall, Head Coach, Tulane
As the teams prepare for this pivotal game, all eyes will be on how both squads adapt to their respective coaching changes and the lessons learned from their earlier encounter.
