Introduction

In a shocking twist of events, Lane Kiffin, the head coach of Ole Miss, unleashed a wave of sarcasm following the first game of the newly reformed College Football Playoff (CFP) system. After witnessing Notre Dame's decisive 27-17 victory over Indiana, Kiffin couldn't hold back his disappointment, taking to social media to express: "Really exciting competitive game, great job!!"

Kiffin's Disappointment

His frustration is understandable. As Kiffin watched from home, the No. 7 Fighting Irish laid waste to No. 10 Indiana, delivering the Hoosiers the unfortunate distinction of being the very first team eliminated from the revamped 12-team playoff format. Indiana struggled throughout the contest, managing to score its first touchdown with just 1:30 left in the fourth quarter, a stark reminder of their offensive shortcomings.

Ole Miss's Playoff Hopes Dashed

While Kiffin’s Ole Miss team had high hopes for a playoff berth, their dreams unraveled after a heartbreaking loss to the Florida Gators, marking their third defeat of the season in SEC play. As the season ended, Ole Miss found themselves ranked No. 14, ultimately sidelined from playoff contention despite showcasing impressive wins, including a significant 28-10 victory over then-No. 3 Georgia. Instead of competing for the championship, the Rebels will settle for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.

CFP Selection Controversy

Amid Kiffin's discontent, the CFP selection committee has faced scrutiny for their choices. The committee opted to invite teams like Indiana, which had 11 victories but faced a relatively weak schedule, ranked 32nd nationally according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. Conversely, Boise State secured a playoff spot with a 12-win season, despite playing only one ranked opponent before clinching their conference title and facing an 81st-ranked schedule.

Looking Ahead to the Bowls

Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish are now poised to face No. 2 Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, set for an exciting 8:45 p.m. kickoff on New Year's Day. As fans eagerly await an intense showdown, Ole Miss supporters will have to bide their time until their next chance on the field in 2025. Stay tuned, as the CFP saga unfolds and the debate around its format continues to heat up!