Ole Miss vs Tulane: Expert Predictions for College Football Playoff

Ole Miss football is about to step into uncharted territory, gearing up for its first-ever College Football Playoff game. The No. 6 seed Rebels, sitting at an impressive 11-1, will host No. 11 Tulane, who bring an 11-2 record, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on December 20.

This isn’t just any matchup—it’s a rematch. Earlier this season, Ole Miss rolled past Tulane with a 45-10 win. But things feel a bit different now. Pete Golding, the former defensive coordinator, is taking over as head coach after Lane Kiffin’s jump to LSU.

The pressure’s on. Whoever comes out on top moves forward to face No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1. That’s a big deal, right?

Ole Miss vs. Tulane: A High-Stakes Rematch

This game means more than just advancing. Both squads want to prove they belong on the national stage. Last time, Ole Miss dominated, but Tulane’s itching for redemption.

Tulane’s coach, Jon Sumrall, sounds fired up. He’s made it clear he expects a stronger showing from his team this go-round.

Impact of Coaching Changes

Curious how Ole Miss will look under Pete Golding? It’s one of the game’s biggest question marks. Lane Kiffin leaving after the Egg Bowl was a shakeup, but Golding’s got a chance to put his stamp on things.

The Rebels kept their heads in the game against Mississippi State. Fans are crossing their fingers that energy carries over.

Key Players to Watch

For Ole Miss, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy are the names to watch. Both have been electric all season.

Tulane, on the other hand, will need their top players to step up if they’re going to hang with the Rebels.

Predictions and Expectations

Some experts have weighed in. Sam Hutchens predicts a 36-21 Ole Miss win. Sam Sklar sees it 33-14 in favor of the Rebels.

The consensus? Tulane should put up more of a fight, but Ole Miss is still the favorite.

College Football Playoff Schedule

Here’s how the College Football Playoff is shaping up:

• First Round (Dec. 19-20):
• (9) Alabama (10-3) at (8) Oklahoma (10-2) on Dec. 19 (7 p.m., ESPN & ABC)
• (10) Miami (10-2) at (7) Texas A&M (11-1) on Dec. 20 (11 a.m., ESPN & ABC)
• (11) Tulane (11-2) at (6) Ole Miss (11-1) on Dec. 20 (2:30 p.m., TNT)
• (12) James Madison (12-1) at (5) Oregon (11-1) on Dec. 20 (6:30 p.m., TNT)
• Quarterfinals (Dec. 31, Jan. 1):
• Cotton Bowl: Miami-Texas A&M winner vs. (2) Ohio State (12-1) on Dec. 31 (6:30 p.m., ESPN)
• Orange Bowl: James Madison-Oregon winner vs. (4) Texas Tech (12-1) on Jan. 1 (11 a.m., ESPN)
• Rose Bowl: Alabama-Oklahoma winner vs. (1) Indiana (13-0) on Jan. 1 (3 p.m., ESPN)
• Sugar Bowl: Tulane-Ole Miss winner vs. (3) Georgia (12-1) on Jan. 1 (7 p.m., ESPN)
• Semifinals (Jan. 8-9):
• Fiesta Bowl: Cotton Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner on Jan. 8 (6:30 p.m., ESPN)
• Peach Bowl: Rose Bowl winner vs. Orange Bowl winner on Jan. 9 (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
• Championship Game (Jan. 19):
• Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, at 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Get Your Tickets

If you want to catch the Ole Miss vs. Tulane showdown in person, tickets are up for grabs at StubHub.

With the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, it’s a golden chance for Ole Miss fans to show up and make some noise for their team at home.

Conclusion

The Ole Miss vs. Tulane matchup is shaping up to be one for the books. Stakes are high, with a Sugar Bowl spot hanging in the balance.

Ole Miss seems to have an edge, at least on paper, thanks to their recent performance and the talent they’ve got. Still, Tulane’s hungry for redemption after their earlier loss, and that kind of motivation can be dangerous.

Honestly, if you’re a college football fan, it’s hard not to get excited about this one. The energy, the drama—this game could really deliver.

If you want a deeper dive or more specific predictions, the Clarion Ledger has the full rundown.