Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) reacts after catching a pass against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) reacts after catching a pass against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
OXFORD — Following its upset loss at Florida, Ole Miss has fallen to No. 14 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, which were announced Tuesday night. The Rebels (8-3, 4-3 SEC) were previously ranked No. 9.
The CFP field expanded to 12 teams this year — the champions from the SEC, ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten and the highest-ranked champion from the remaining conferences get automatic bids, and the other seven bids are at-large. In the immediate aftermath of Ole Miss’ 24-17 loss in Gainesville, Florida, the Rebels’ hopes of an at-large bid seemed to evaporate, as a third loss was largely seen as a dealbreaker. But a handful of upsets ensued Saturday — most notably Alabama falling at Oklahoma — opening the door for a three-loss SEC team to potentially make the field should more favorable results occur this weekend and on conference championship weekend. There will be one more set of rankings released next Tuesday, followed by the selection show on Dec. 8.
