Ole Miss Dominates Tulane in CFP Debut Under New Leadership

Ole Miss Dominates Tulane in CFP Debut Under New Leadership

OXFORD, Miss. – In a resounding statement of resilience and determination, the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels dismantled the No. 11 Tulane Green Wave 41-10 in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. This victory, achieved amidst the tumultuous departure of head coach Lane Kiffin, marks a pivotal moment in the program's history and propels them into a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

The game served as the debut for Pete Golding, promoted from defensive coordinator following Kiffin's unexpected move to LSU on November 30th. Despite the swirling uncertainty surrounding the coaching change and its potential impact on the team, Golding's Rebels displayed remarkable composure and executed a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.

Ole Miss wasted no time establishing control. Running back Kewan Lacy opened the scoring with a powerful 20-yard touchdown run, followed shortly after by a 4-yard scoring scamper from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. These early touchdowns ignited the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium crowd and provided a cushion that Ole Miss would maintain throughout the contest.

Chambliss proved to be a dual-threat force, showcasing both his arm and legs. He finished the game with an impressive 282 passing yards and added another touchdown through the air. Lacy also contributed significantly to the ground game, rushing for 87 yards before exiting the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent shoulder injury. The Rebels' offense amassed a total of 497 yards, highlighted by several explosive plays exceeding 25 yards. LSU transfer Logan Diggs also found the endzone with a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling hauled in five receptions for 79 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown.

While Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff managed to accumulate 306 passing yards and one touchdown, the Green Wave offense struggled to sustain drives against a relentless Ole Miss defense. Cornerback Jaylon Braxton's early interception set the tone for the Rebels' defensive dominance, which also included multiple fumble recoveries and crucial fourth-down stops.

The atmosphere surrounding the game was electric, fueled by a mix of excitement for the playoff opportunity and resentment towards Kiffin's departure. In the famed Grove, Ole Miss's tailgating epicenter, fan artwork reflected this sentiment, with depictions of Kiffin on a "naughty" list and Golding celebrated as the program's savior. The crowd erupted in cheers when Golding took the field during warmups, and the presence of Ole Miss legend Eli Manning on the sideline further amplified the celebratory mood.

On the Tulane sideline, coach Jon Sumrall faced his own set of challenges. Having accepted the head coaching position at Florida, Sumrall was permitted to coach Tulane through the playoff. However, his hopes of returning to New Orleans to prepare for the Sugar Bowl were dashed by the loss, forcing him to shift his focus to Gainesville.

This victory carries significant weight for Ole Miss, not only as their first CFP win but also as a testament to the program's stability and resolve in the face of adversity. While the road ahead presents a formidable challenge in the form of the Georgia Bulldogs, the Rebels have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with and capable of competing at the highest level. The Sugar Bowl promises to be a captivating showdown, as Pete Golding aims to solidify his position as the leader of a program with national championship aspirations. This win sends a clear message: Ole Miss is here to stay, and they are ready to compete for a national title.