The College Football Playoff's opening round rolls into Saturday with a high-stakes rematch between No. 11 Tulane (11-2) and No.
6 Ole Miss (11-1) in Oxford. The last time these two met, Ole Miss rolled to a 45-10 win back in Week 4.
But this time, the stakes are higher, the rosters are thinner, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Both programs released updated injury reports on Friday, and the attrition is real on both sidelines.
Tulane will be without several key contributors on defense and special teams. Linebacker Dickson Agu, defensive end Gerrod Henderson, and defensive back Jayden Lewis are all ruled out-three important pieces for a unit that will need to be sharp against a high-powered Ole Miss offense. Tight end LeRon Husbands is also out, which could impact Tulane’s ability to stay balanced offensively.
The Green Wave's kicking game is also in question. Kicker Cooper Helmke is listed as doubtful, which could force Tulane to make some tough decisions in field goal range.
And while wide receiver Bryce Bohanon has been upgraded to questionable, his status remains uncertain. Bohanon’s knee injury, suffered late in the regular season, has made him a day-to-day call.
If he can go, even in a limited capacity, it would be a boost for a Tulane offense that needs every playmaker it can get.
On the other side, Ole Miss isn’t coming in at full strength either. The Rebels will be without cornerback Cedrick Beavers, linebacker Raymond Collins, and offensive lineman John Wayne Oliver-all three of whom have logged meaningful snaps this season. The absence of Oliver, in particular, could test the depth of an Ole Miss offensive line that’s been a strength all year.
There is some good news for the Rebels, though. Defensive back Antonio Kite, who was listed as questionable earlier in the week, has been upgraded to probable. His presence in the secondary could be key, especially if Bohanon suits up for Tulane.
Both teams are dealing with the wear and tear of a long season, and while Ole Miss dominated the first meeting, postseason football has a way of leveling the playing field-especially when key personnel are missing. With less than 24 hours until kickoff, the question isn’t just who’s better on paper, but who can adapt better to the circumstances.
It’s win-or-go-home time, and neither Tulane nor Ole Miss will look quite like the teams that met in September. That’s the beauty-and the chaos-of playoff football.