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.