Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CT)
(Note: Some scheduling references list context around December 19-20; confirmed playoff slot on Dec 20)
Venue: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississippi
Broadcast: TNT/truTV (streaming on Max)
Capacity: ~64,000 (expected raucous sellout for Ole Miss’ first home playoff game)
The expanded College Football Playoff opens with an intriguing rematch as No. 11 seed Tulane Green Wave (11-2) travels to face No. 6 seed Ole Miss Rebels (11-1) in a first-round on-campus clash. The teams met earlier in the 2025 regular season (Week 4), with Ole Miss dominating 45-10 in Oxford. Tulane, the American Athletic Conference champion, earned an at-large bid with a late surge, while Ole Miss secured a top seed and first-round home game despite one loss. The winner advances to a quarterfinal against a higher seed. This SEC vs. AAC matchup highlights playoff depth, with Ole Miss seeking redemption for any doubters and Tulane aiming for a historic upset.
Team Records
- Tulane Green Wave: 11-2 overall (7-1 AAC, AAC champions)
- Ole Miss Rebels: 11-1 overall (7-1 SEC)
Tulane capped a strong season with conference title; Ole Miss finished high in SEC standings for playoff seeding.
Recent Team Forms
- Tulane (Strong finish; 8-2 last 10): Since the early blowout loss to Ole Miss, the Green Wave won 10 of 11, including the AAC championship. Defense tightened dramatically (top-20 nationally post-September), and offense balanced with efficient passing/rushing. Peaking with momentum and improved since first meeting.
- Ole Miss (Dominant; 9-1 last 10): Lane Kiffin’s squad rolled through SEC play, with elite offense (top-5 scoring) and opportunistic defense. Only loss to a top contender; home form unbeatable, outscoring foes significantly at Vaught-Hemingway.
Conference vs. Conference (AAC vs. SEC in Playoff Context)
SEC dominated non-conference and overall strength in 2025, placing multiple high seeds. AAC solid with Tulane’s title run, but power gap evident—SEC physicality often overwhelms G5 in postseason. Rematches favor the higher-power team, especially at home.
Weather Forecast
Oxford, MS (December 20, 2025 afternoon kickoff): Partly cloudy, temperatures 55-60°F at start dropping to mid-40s by end. Light winds (5-15 mph S), low precipitation chance (<15%). Mild for December—favorable for offenses, minimal impact on passing game.
Injury Report (as of latest December 18-19 reports)
- Tulane Green Wave:
- Out: Limited major absences reported; key players available post-conference title.
- Probable: RB Makhi Hughes (minor knocks, expected full-go).
- Impact: Mostly healthy; depth tested on road.
- Ole Miss Rebels:
- Out: Minor depth pieces; no major opt-outs noted for playoff push.
- Probable/Available: QB (e.g., Chambliss or starter), DE/LB edges full strength.
- Impact: Near full health; talent edge amplified at home.
Both teams motivated for playoff—no significant opt-outs.
Key Player Matchups
- Tulane QB vs. Ole Miss Secondary: Green Wave passer efficient late-season; faces top-10 Ole Miss pass defense—avoid turnovers key after early-season struggles.
- Ole Miss RB Henry Parrish Jr./Ulysses Bentley IV vs. Tulane Front Seven: Rebels’ rush attack explosive at home; Tulane run D much improved since 45-10 loss (allowed heavy yards early).
- Tulane WRs/Mario Williams vs. Ole Miss CBs: Speed threats if protection holds; Rebels secondary physical, forces mistakes.
- Ole Miss WR Tre Harris/Antwane Wells Jr. vs. Tulane DBs: Elite targets exploit if line protects; Tulane secondary opportunistic but overmatched in first meeting.
- Turnover/Physicality Battle: Ole Miss forced multiples in regular-season win; Tulane better protecting ball lately.
Series History
- All-time: Ole Miss leads heavily (historical dominance in rare meetings).
- 2025 Regular Season: Ole Miss won 45-10 (Sept. early; Rebels controlled all phases).
- Playoff/Postseason: First meeting; rematch adds revenge/upset narrative for Tulane.
Betting Trends & Historical Betting Results
- Trends: Public on Ole Miss ML (power conference favorite); sharps split on spread (Tulane improved since blowout). Overs hit in Ole Miss home games; first meeting went Over easily.
- Regular Season Meeting: Ole Miss covered large spread; Over cashed.
- Historical ATS: Ole Miss strong as big home favorite; G5 underdogs like Tulane cover ~40% vs. P4 in playoffs/bowls but rarely win outright.
- Playoff analogs: Higher seeds hosting win ~80% first round; rematches often closer if underdog improved.
Game Odds
Tulane Green Wave 56.5
Mississippi Rebels – 17.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
