Ole Miss has never made an SEC title game or a college football playoff since both came into effect. At the end of the 2024 regular season, they will look to end the playoff drought as we move to a 12-team format. Could they break their 32-year SEC Championship game absence?
It will take an almighty season for the Rebels to break into the top two in the Southeastern Conference and make it to Atalanta on December 7. However, here are three reasons why they can make the 2024 SEC Championship.
1. No divisions, No Alabama, No Saban
The hardest part is getting to an SEC Championship game, with Ole Miss's path usually going through Alabama and former head coach Nick Saban. The latter has retired, and now Ole Miss does not have to worry about beating out Alabama to win the SEC West and claim a place in the SEC Championship game.
Now, the top two in the 16-team conference will face off in Atlanta, and without divisions, it may be easier for some teams. Ole Miss has a much more challenging schedule than most analysts suggest, but it's much less demanding than it could have been.
Alabama, Texas, Missouri, and Tennessee are on their schedule, which is huge. That's four of seven teams Ole Miss could have played that are likely fighting for the top two spots. They will have to face Georgia, LSU, and Oklahoma. Two wins from those three and winning the rest of their games gives them a chance of making the SEC Championship game.
Other top teams have much more demanding schedules, and each could cannibalize its chances of making it to Atlanta. Ole Miss will be in an even better position if it takes care of its own business. Then, it would be a one-game shootout with whoever makes it to the SEC Championship game with them.