The Tulane Green Wave came into their College Football Playoff opener looking for redemption. Instead, they ran headfirst into the same wall that flattened them back in September: the Ole Miss Rebels.
Just like their first meeting in Oxford earlier this season, this one wasn’t close. Tulane fell hard-again-this time by a score of 41-10, echoing the 45-10 blowout from a few months prior.
Different stakes, different month, but the same result. Ole Miss simply had Tulane’s number, and it showed from start to finish.
There’s no need to overanalyze why. Whether it was scheme, execution, or talent disparity, Tulane couldn’t keep pace.
And that has to sting for a Green Wave squad that earned its way into the playoff and hoped to show how far the program has come. Instead, they leave the postseason with the same bitter taste they had in Week 4.
The numbers tell part of the story. Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff actually threw for 306 yards, and the offense moved the ball decently between the 20s.
But three turnovers and a brutal 0-for-4 on fourth down attempts proved costly. You can’t give a team like Ole Miss that many extra possessions and expect to survive-let alone win.
Pete Golding’s Rebels didn’t just capitalize-they dominated. From the opening kickoff, Ole Miss looked faster, sharper, and more physical.
This wasn’t just a playoff win-it was a statement. And now, they’re moving on to a Sugar Bowl showdown with the Georgia Bulldogs on New Year’s Day.
Yes, another rematch. And yes, this one could get spicy.
There’s some added juice to that upcoming clash. The Rebels and Bulldogs already have history this season, and with a spot in the national championship on the line, expect emotions to run high. Golding’s crew is riding a wave of momentum, and it’ll be fascinating to see how they handle the biggest stage yet.
As for Tulane, their playoff run ends here. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but there’s no shame in making it this far. Still, back-to-back blowouts against the same opponent will leave plenty of offseason questions.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the bracket, Oregon is handling business against James Madison, and fans across the country are already debating who has the inside track to the title. One hypothetical on the table?
A potential Ole Miss-Texas Tech championship matchup. That’s still a long shot, with both teams needing to survive heavyweight battles to get there, but it’s not off the table.
For now, the Rebels are marching on. Tulane is heading home. And the College Football Playoff is just heating up.