| Tulane Green Wave (11-2) at Ole Miss Rebels (11-1) | |||
| Game Details: Saturday, December 20, 1:30 p.m. ET | |||
| Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS | |||
| Where to Watch: TNT |
Matchup
The “Oxford Rematch” in the first round of the College Football Playoff is shaping up to be completely different. While the Ole Miss Rebels walked away with a dominant 45-10 victory back on September 20, the circumstances surrounding this playoff opener have shifted dramatically.
The sidelines are capturing just as much attention as the hash marks. Ole Miss is navigating a messy divorce following Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU, leaving former defensive coordinator Pete Golding to lead the team as head coach for the first time. On the other sideline, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall has accepted the head coaching job at Florida but remains committed to seeing the Green Wave through this postseason run.
Despite the previous blowout, the Green Wave has evolved into a far more dangerous opponent, having secured the American Conference title. This time around, Tulane is healthier and playing with the kind of “house money” momentum that makes an underdog dangerous.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane Green Wave | +17.5 | +610 | Over 57.5 |
| Ole Miss Rebels | -17.5 | -900 | Under 57.5 |
**Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports **
Tale of The Tape
| Tulane Green Wave | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Ole Miss Rebels |
|---|---|---|
| 29.1 | Points Per Game | 37.3 |
| 240.5 | Passing Yards Per Game | 309.6 |
| 170.2 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 188.5 |
| 22.6 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 20.1 |
| 255.2 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 182.6 |
| 120.4 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 150.5 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Tulane Green Wave
Tulane enters this contest boasting an impressive 11-2 record and a roster that looks significantly different from the depleted squad that visited Oxford earlier in the year. A major storyline for the Green Wave is the return of key personnel who missed that September beatdown, specifically running back Jamauri McClure and left tackle Derrick Graham.
McClure has been electric recently, averaging 6.8 yards per carry over the last four games, providing a necessary spark to the ground game. The offense is orchestrated by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, a BYU transfer who has been a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. Retzlaff has accounted for a staggering 30 touchdowns this season—14 through the air and 16 on the ground—making him the team’s leading rusher with 610 yards.Beyond the offensive numbers, Tulane’s success is anchored by a disciplined style of play that contrasts sharply with Ole Miss’s high-flying tempo. The Green Wave ranks 10th nationally in turnover margin at +10, a statistic that suggests they know how to maximize opportunities and limit mistakes. Their defense, which allows 22.6 points per game, excels at stopping the run, ranking 30th in the FBS.
Ole Miss Rebels
The Ole Miss Rebels come into the playoffs with a sterling 11-1 record and one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Even amid the coaching transition, the numbers put up by this unit are undeniable. They rank third nationally in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 498.1 yards per game and 11th in scoring, putting up an average of 37.3 points every time they take the field.
The offense is led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who finished 8th in Heisman voting. Chambliss has been a model of efficiency and production, throwing for 3,016 yards and 18 touchdowns against only three interceptions, while adding another 470 yards and six scores with his legs.
Running back Kewan Lacy has been a workhorse, rushing for 1,279 yards and setting a school record with 20 touchdowns this season. While the offense is potent, the narrative hanging over Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is whether the team can maintain focus during the coaching upheaval.
Prediction
Ole Miss is going to score early, often and not stop. This game could be one of two that makes the CFP rethink their format of letting the “underdog” into the party.
