College Football Playoff committee reject Lane Kiffin decision in Playoff ranking between Alabama and Ole Miss

College Football Playoff committee reject Lane Kiffin decision in Playoff ranking between Alabama and Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin, the head coach of Ole Miss, is absolutely right in his assertion that his team should be in the College Football Playoff (CFP) over Alabama. While the College Football Playoff selection committee often prioritizes traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Kiffin’s argument is grounded in logic and fairness, and it highlights a growing frustration with how college football’s postseason system tends to favor programs with brand-name recognition over teams that have had better seasons.

First, it’s important to consider what Kiffin said about the performance of his Ole Miss team relative to Alabama. Ole Miss has been more consistent this season and has faced tough competition. The Rebels have a solid, high-powered offense and a defense that has improved over the years under Kiffin’s leadership. Their victory against Alabama in the regular season was a significant statement, one that should carry weight when determining playoff spots.

Alabama, on the other hand, has had a more inconsistent year, with losses to teams like Texas early in the season and an unconvincing win-loss record in the SEC. The Crimson Tide’s strength historically has always been their ability to dominate weaker opponents, but this year, they’ve looked vulnerable at times, especially on offense with a relatively untested quarterback and struggles in key moments.

Kiffin’s argument is about fairness. His team beat Alabama on their home turf, and they’ve been one of the best teams in the SEC this season, which should hold more weight than a legacy. The CFP selection process, however, has often been criticized for its bias toward major football programs. In years past, Alabama has been granted a playoff spot despite underwhelming seasons, largely because of their reputation and history. It’s time to reevaluate this approach.

If the CFP truly wants to reward the best teams of the season, regardless of their pedigree, Ole Miss should absolutely be in the playoff picture. They have one of the most complete teams in the SEC this year, and their win against Alabama should be enough to put them in contention for a spot. If a program like Ole Miss can’t make it into the playoff despite a head-to-head victory over Alabama, it undermines the legitimacy of the entire selection process.

Furthermore, Ole Miss is not just a flash-in-the-pan team. Kiffin has built a culture of competitiveness and accountability in Oxford, leading the Rebels to sustained success over the last few seasons. His ability to recruit talent, develop quarterbacks, and create explosive offenses has placed Ole Miss on the national map. A playoff spot would not only reward the hard work of Kiffin and his players but would also shine a spotlight on the growing parity in college football, where underdog teams are rising to challenge the old guard.

In the end, Lane Kiffin is right. The College Football Playoff should not just be a coronation of the traditional powers. It should be about putting the best teams of the season in the most deserving position to compete for a national championship. And in 2024, that team deserves to be Ole Miss.