Tulane vs. Ole Miss CFP Preview: Prediction and Analysis by Josh Pate

College Football Playoff Matchup Analysis

• 🏈 The first round of the College Football Playoff features four games, though two have significant point spreads.
• 🎯 This specific preview focuses on the Tulane vs. Ole Miss game, scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 PM Eastern on TNT.

Tulane vs. Ole Miss: A Look Back

• 🔙 In their previous meeting this season at the same venue, Ole Miss defeated Tulane 45-10, outgaining them 548 to 282 yards.
• ⏳ Ole Miss scored on their first five possessions in that game.
• ⚠️ The current matchup is under the new coaching era of Pete Golding for Ole Miss, following the Lane Kiffin era.

Tulane's Path to an Upset

• 🚫 Tulane cannot afford to be torched through the air, facing the nation's number three passing offense against their 124th ranked pass defense.
• ⚡ Limiting explosive plays is crucial for Tulane, as they were outmatched in this category (3rd vs. 128th).
• 🏃 A more balanced offensive play-calling and increased use of the run game (they ran for 178 yards previously but were in catch-up mode) is necessary.
• 📈 Tulane must improve significantly on third and fourth downs, where they were 6 of 18 in their last game.
• ❓ The absence of former coach Lane Kiffin is an unknown factor, with oddsmakers estimating his staff's value at around four points.

Ole Miss's Position and Playoff Strategy

• 🎯 Ole Miss, despite a large point spread, is expected to be fully focused due to the playoff stage, unlike potential let-down spots in mid-season games.
• 🧠 The team is described as immature, young, and undisciplined at times, but has still made the playoff.
• 💥 If Ole Miss can build an early lead, they have the opportunity to rest starters and gain valuable experience for backups in a playoff game, a scenario amplified by playoff expansion.

Game Prediction

• 📊 The model and FanDuel both predict Ole Miss to win by 17.5 points.
• ✅ The prediction is for Ole Miss to win and cover the spread.