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Illinois Football: Everything the Illini need to make the College Football Playoff

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Mississippi Rebels reacts in the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on October 29, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Mississippi Rebels reacts in the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on October 29, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

4. Ole Miss goes down to Alabama

  • Loss to Alabama on November 12
  • 2 losses – Eliminated

I mentioned how the PAC 12 is going to be a thorn in Illinois’ side for the College Football Playoff, but the SEC is going to get a little sticky as well.

On November 12, there is going to be a big game between No. 11 Ole Miss and No. 6 Alabama. Both teams are ahead of Illinois in the rankings, but in this case, I think we need Alabama to hold strong and take down the Rebels.

Ole Miss only has one loss on the season right now. A second loss would likely put them out of the College Football Playoff race. A win for Ole Miss would hurt the Illini more because that would give them a top-10 win over a tough Crimson Tide program.

A loss for the Rebels would also keep them at one top-25 win this season. That lone win was over Kentucky, which is no longer ranked. That isn’t a very strong schedule.

With two losses and a weak strength of schedule, I think Illinois easily jumps Ole Miss in the rankings. We need Alabama to come through and take out the Rebels in two weeks.

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