### Ole Miss Triumphs Over Tulane in CFP Debut, Setting Up Sugar Bowl Clash with Georgia In a remarkable display of resilience, the Ole Miss Rebels secured a commanding 41-10 victory over the Tulane Green Wave in the first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP). This win marks a significant milestone for Ole Miss, as it not only advances them to the Sugar Bowl against Georgia but also represents their first-ever playoff victory. The game was particularly notable given the recent departure of head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, which had raised questions about the team's stability and performance. However, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Pete Golding, Ole Miss demonstrated their strength and determination, showcasing a powerful offensive and defensive performance throughout the match [https://inews.zoombangla.com/ole-miss-crushes-tulane-in-cfp-firasdf][https://www.hottytoddy.com/2025/12/21/goldings-authority-shows-as-ole-miss-cruises-past-tulane]. ### Breakdown of Ole Miss's Performance and Upcoming Challenges 1. **Game Overview**: - Ole Miss dominated Tulane with a score of 41-10, showcasing a strong offensive strategy led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) and threw for 282 yards [https://apnews.com/article/tulane-ole-miss-cfp-score-9635fc70efa14f401e492b189f41f09b]. 2. **Coaching Transition**: - The game marked Pete Golding's debut as head coach following Kiffin's abrupt exit. Golding's leadership was pivotal in maintaining team morale and focus, allowing the Rebels to perform at a high level despite the coaching shake-up [https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-pete-golding-college-football-playoff-60b0781f18708c28972b0592ccdf2bdc]. 3. **Next Matchup**: - Ole Miss will face Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2026. This matchup is particularly significant as Georgia is the only team to have defeated Ole Miss during the regular season, making this a critical rematch for the Rebels [https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-georgia-sugar-bowl-a48f04d10a96f01078f6a3f923687502]. 4. **Historical Context**: - This victory not only secures Ole Miss's place in the Sugar Bowl but also marks the first 12-win season in the program's history, highlighting a successful year for the Rebels [https://www.bcsnn.com/football/4941-no-6-ole-miss-cruises-past-no-11-tulane-41-10-secures-first-cfp-win-to-advance]. ### Key Statistics and Highlights from the Game - **Final Score**: Ole Miss 41, Tulane 10 - **Trinidad Chambliss**: - Rushing Touchdowns: 2 - Passing Touchdowns: 1 - Total Passing Yards: 282 - **Team Performance**: - Ole Miss's defense effectively contained Tulane, limiting their scoring opportunities and maintaining control throughout the game [https://www.redcuprebellion.com/ole-miss-rebels-football/40189/ole-miss-stomps-tulane-to-advance-to-sugar-bowl-cfp-quarterfinal]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Ole Miss Football **Ole Miss's decisive victory over Tulane not only propels them into the Sugar Bowl but also signifies a new chapter under Pete Golding's leadership.** The Rebels have shown they can overcome adversity and are now poised to seek revenge against Georgia, the only team to defeat them this season. As they prepare for this crucial rematch, the momentum from their playoff debut could be a significant factor in their performance moving forward. 1. **Victory Against Tulane**: A strong start in the CFP. 2. **Coaching Transition**: Golding's effective leadership amidst challenges. 3. **Upcoming Rematch**: A chance for redemption against Georgia. 4. **Historical Achievement**: First 12-win season for Ole Miss. This combination of factors sets the stage for an exciting continuation of Ole Miss's football journey [https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/20/cfp-mississippi-crushes-tulane-gets-rematch-with-georgia-in-sugar-bowl].