Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin didn’t hold back after the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings placed his Rebels at No. 14. Despite the team’s three losses this season, Kiffin took issue with teams like No. 12 Clemson and No. 13 Alabama being ranked higher, arguing that the Rebels’ tougher schedule and similar accomplishments deserve more recognition.
Speaking on his weekly Reb Talk radio show, Kiffin called out what he sees as a flawed ranking system that undervalues SEC teams compared to programs from the ACC and Big 12.
“First, we need to play really well against Mississippi State—that’s in our control,” Kiffin said, addressing Friday’s rivalry game. “But I’m not doing the Ole Miss homer thing here. Look at Clemson’s schedule. Take some of these teams that are ranked higher, put them in the SEC, and they’d be .500 teams. It’s ridiculous.”
Comparing Resumes: Ole Miss, Alabama, and Clemson
Kiffin’s frustration stems from a close comparison of resumes. Both Ole Miss and Alabama are three-loss SEC teams, and both boast victories over powerhouse Georgia. Meanwhile, Clemson, a two-loss ACC team, suffered heavy defeats to Georgia and Louisville but finds itself ranked ahead of both SEC squads.
Statistically, Kiffin may have a point. ESPN ranks Alabama’s schedule as the 11th toughest in college football this season, Ole Miss comes in at 27th, and Clemson lags behind at 57th.
The Committee’s Perspective
Despite Kiffin’s criticisms, the CFP Selection Committee defended its decision to place Clemson at No. 12. Chairman Warde Manuel explained that Clemson’s 9-2 record, combined with three consecutive wins over Virginia Tech, Pitt, and Citadel following their loss to Louisville, warranted their ranking.
“We just felt their body of work, with only two losses, was stronger than the three-loss teams behind them,” Manuel said, referencing Alabama and Ole Miss.
Opportunities Missed
While Kiffin believes strength of schedule should carry more weight, Ole Miss’ own missteps have contributed to its predicament. Losses to Kentucky, LSU, and Florida have placed the Rebels on the outside of the playoff conversation. Even a dominant performance against in-state rival Mississippi State on Friday might not be enough to crack the Top 12 without chaos in the rankings.
A Rivalry Showdown
For now, Ole Miss must focus on its immediate task: defeating Mississippi State in their annual Egg Bowl clash. The game kicks off Friday at 2:30 p.m. CT in Oxford, Mississippi, and will be televised on ABC. A convincing win could give the Rebels a chance to strengthen their case in the season’s final rankings.
Will Kiffin’s fiery comments and Ole Miss’ schedule strength be enough to sway the CFP Committee? Time will tell.
