tulane football

Tulane Football’s Cinderella Run: Can the Underdogs Upset Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff?

When the College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket was revealed, one matchup stood out for its intrigue, history, and potential for chaos: No. 6 seed Ole Miss hosting 11th-seeded Tulane in the first round. Yes, you read that right—Tulane, a team from the American Athletic Conference (AAC), is not only in the playoff but drawing national attention as one of the most compelling storylines of the season. For Canadian sports fans following U.S. college football, this game offers a perfect blend of underdog drama, tactical intrigue, and high-stakes competition.

This article dives deep into what makes this matchup so special—why it matters, what’s at stake, and whether Tulane can pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent CFP history.

The Big Picture: Why This Matchup Is Turning Heads

On paper, Ole Miss vs. Tulane looks like a mismatch. Ole Miss, ranked sixth nationally, boasts a high-powered offense, a top-10 defense, and a coaching staff with NFL-caliber experience. Tulane, meanwhile, is an 11th seed—meaning they barely squeaked into the expanded 12-team playoff field. But here’s where it gets interesting: these two teams have already played once this season, and Tulane didn’t just show up—they nearly won.

Back on September 7, Ole Miss defeated Tulane 37–31 in a tightly contested game at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. The Green Wave led late into the fourth quarter before a late touchdown by the Rebels sealed the outcome. That narrow margin, combined with Tulane’s strong finish to the season, earned them a rare playoff berth—and a chance at redemption.

“We’re not just happy to be here,” Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall told reporters after the bracket reveal. “We believe we belong.”

That confidence is fueling buzz across North America, especially among Canadian fans who appreciate gritty underdog narratives. And with Yahoo Sports Canada, ESPN, and the Toronto Star all covering the story, it’s clear this isn’t just a regional curiosity—it’s a national conversation.

Recent Updates: What’s Happening Now?

The official news cycle has been buzzing since the CFP selection show, with several key developments shaping the narrative:

December 1, 2024 – CFP Bracket Released

The 12-team playoff field was announced, confirming Tulane (11–2) as the 11th seed and Ole Miss (10–2) as the sixth. Despite losing two games, Ole Miss earned a first-round bye—only to lose it due to the bracket rules, forcing them to host Tulane instead of resting before the quarterfinals.

“It’s ironic,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “Ole Miss gets a home game… against a team they’ve already beaten. But it’s also the team that gave them one of their toughest fights.”

December 3 – Ole Miss Braces for “A Better Tulane”

The Toronto Star reported that Ole Miss players and coaches are preparing for a significantly improved Tulane squad compared to their September meeting. Key injuries have healed, and the Green Wave’s offense has evolved under quarterback Darian Mensah, who now averages 287 passing yards per game (up from 245 in early September).

“We know they’re going to be more dangerous,” Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding said in the Star article. “They’re not the same team we saw in September.”

December 5 – Coaching Turmoil Adds Drama

While Tulane prepares for its biggest game in decades, Ole Miss faces internal challenges. As reported by ESPN, head coach Lane Kiffin left the program unexpectedly in November—reportedly due to philosophical differences with the athletic department over recruiting and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) strategies.

Now, interim head coach Pete Golding—a longtime defensive mind—is leading the team. While Golding has stabilized the defense, questions remain about his ability to manage a high-pressure playoff environment, especially against a motivated opponent.

“Focused on the mission, not the man,” Golding told ESPN. “Our job is to win football games, not worry about the past.”

This leadership shift adds another layer of uncertainty to a game already rich with narrative tension.

Contextual Background: How Did We Get Here?

To understand why this matchup matters, we need to look at how Tulane football went from afterthought to playoff contender—and how the expanded CFP changed everything.

The Rise of Tulane Football

For decades, Tulane was known more for its academics and New Orleans charm than its football prowess. The program endured a 40-year bowl drought before breaking through in 2022 under former coach Willie Fritz. But it was Jon Sumrall, hired in 2024, who transformed the team into a national contender.

Sumrall, a disciple of the “Air Raid” offense, rebuilt Tulane’s identity around a fast-paced, pass-heavy attack. With Darian Mensah at QB and Makai Jackson emerging as a breakout receiver (1,210 yards, 10 TDs), the Green Wave became one of the most efficient offenses in the AAC.

But their real strength lies in resilience. After a shocking Week 1 loss to South Alabama, Tulane won 10 of their final 12 games, including a dominant 41–24 win over Army in the AAC Championship.

“Tulane didn’t just make the playoff—they earned it,” said CFP Selection Committee chair Boo Corrigan. “Their résumé, strength of schedule, and performance against Power 4 opponents justified the spot.”

The Expanded Playoff: A Game Changer

The 2024 season marks the debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff, a historic shift from the previous 4-team format. For the first time, Group of 5 teams like Tulane have a legitimate path to national relevance.

Under the new system: - The top four seeds (automatic byes) go to conference champions. - Seeds 5–12 play first-round games on campus sites. - The winner advances to the quarterfinals, held at major bowls (Fiesta, Peach, Rose, Sugar).

Tulane’s inclusion as the 11th seed is a landmark moment for non-Power 4 football. It validates years of advocacy from coaches, players, and fans who argued that great teams exist beyond the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12.

“This is why we expanded the playoff,” said CFP executive director Bill Hancock. “To reward excellence—no matter the conference.”

Ole Miss: A Program in Transition

Ole Miss, meanwhile, is navigating a pivotal moment. After years of building under Lane Kiffin—who led them to a Sugar Bowl in 2023—the program is now in flux. Kiffin’s departure, while not officially confirmed as forced, has sparked debate about the future of college coaching in the NIL era.

The Rebels still have elite talent: quarterback Jackson Dart (3,400 yards, 28 TDs), running back Ulysses Bentley IV (1,100 yards), and a defense that ranks 12th nationally in yards allowed. But without Kiffin’s offensive creativity, the Rebels must rely on Golding’s defensive discipline and Dart’s poise.

Their September win over Tulane was far from dominant. The Rebels needed a 4th-quarter rally, and Tulane’s defense held Ole Miss to just 5.1 yards per play—well below their season average.

Immediate Effects: What’s at Stake?

This game isn’t just about advancing in the playoff—it’s about legacy, opportunity, and momentum.

For Tulane:

• National Exposure: A win would be the biggest in program history, elevating Tulane into the national conversation for years.
• Recruiting Boost: Success in the CFP could attract higher-level recruits, especially