In a stunning display of resilience, the No. 6 ranked Mississippi team triumphed over No. 17 Tulane with a decisive score of 41-10 in the first round of the College Football Playoff, marking a pivotal moment for new head coach Pete Golding. This match was particularly significant as it was Golding's debut at the helm following Lane Kiffin’s controversial departure to LSU.
Golding took a moment during the final minutes of the game to soak in the joy radiating from his players on the sideline. "Understanding what they’ve endured and the potential paths they could have taken, it’s remarkable," he reflected, hinting at the uncertainty created by Kiffin's exit. "These players remained committed despite the changes, and their ability to rally and secure the victory they deserved is truly inspiring."
Trinidad Chambliss stood out in the game, scoring two rushing touchdowns and throwing for another, showcasing that Ole Miss was undeterred by Kiffin’s absence. "The energy was definitely there," Chambliss noted. "We executed our plays exceptionally well."
The Rebels jumped to an early lead, with Kewan Lacy and Chambliss each scoring within the first eight minutes, establishing a commanding 14-0 advantage. From that point forward, Tulane struggled to narrow the gap, never getting closer than an 11-point deficit. Lacy’s touchdown capped a rapid 75-yard drive that was completed in just three plays and took less than a minute.
"I’m incredibly excited for our program, but more importantly, for the players who get to continue competing," Golding stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum after Kiffin’s departure on November 30. "The focus has always been on playing to advance further and not letting the season end here."
Looking ahead, Golding and the sixth-seeded Ole Miss team are set to face No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, creating an exciting opportunity for the program.
Chambliss expressed his enthusiasm for Golding's leadership: "We’re all thrilled for PG; he truly deserves this success."
Tulane, with an 11-3 record, showed flashes of offensive capability under quarterback Jake Retzlaff, yet the Rebels maintained control throughout the game. The defense played a crucial role, with cornerback Jaylon Braxton making an early interception, complemented by several fumble recoveries and key stops on fourth down. Tulane coach Jon Sumrall lamented, "We just couldn’t capitalize on critical moments to gain any momentum that might have given us a fighting chance." Unlike Kiffin, who wished to continue coaching through the playoff while transitioning to LSU, Sumrall was able to lead Tulane through their postseason despite already being named Florida's next coach.
At Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Fans showcased their feelings about Kiffin through artwork at tailgate tents, including depictions of him on a Christmas 'naughty' list while Golding was placed on the 'nice' list. As Golding took to the field for warm-ups, the crowd erupted in cheers, and even former Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning joined in to support the new coach. As the game drew to a close, chants of "Pete! Pete! Pete!" echoed from the stands.
On the other side, Sumrall faced disappointment as his hopes of preparing Tulane for the Sugar Bowl were dashed, necessitating a move to Gainesville.
Despite the disappointing result, Sumrall acknowledged the team's prior achievements, stating, "While I’m not satisfied with tonight's outcome, I still feel proud of this team because we won the (American Conference) championship just two weeks ago."
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. had the freedom to continue coaching the Rebels before joining Kiffin at LSU, which Golding praised, saying, "I had high expectations for Charlie to orchestrate a fantastic offensive strategy. He’s been under the shadow of 'Lane Kiffin’s offense' for so long that he was determined to make a statement."
Chambliss concluded the game with an impressive 282 yards passing, while Lacy added 87 yards rushing before leaving the field in the fourth quarter due to an injury. De’Zhaun Stribling made notable contributions with five receptions totaling 79 yards, including a touchdown catch. Additionally, LSU transfer Logan Diggs contributed a touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
In summary, for Tulane, Retzlaff ended the game with 306 passing yards and one touchdown. This loss has continued a troubling trend for non-power conference teams in the playoffs, which now stand at 0-3 in such matchups. Retzlaff pointed out, "We faced a formidable defense tonight. We need to improve our execution, and that starts with me."
In contrast, Ole Miss demonstrated that they could maintain their offensive explosiveness without Kiffin, racking up 497 total yards and executing four plays that gained over 25 yards.
