Pete Golding Earns First CFP Win as Ole Miss Blows Out Tulane

Ole Miss fans had plenty to cheer about Saturday afternoon as the No. 6 Rebels overwhelmed the No. 20 Tulane Green Wave 41-10 in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. The victory marked a milestone for interim head coach Pete Golding, who earned his first CFP win in his head coaching debut.

The Rebels entered the postseason amid turmoil. Lane Kiffin, who led the team through a highly successful 2025 season, shocked the program by departing for LSU just before the playoffs. Golding, the team’s defensive coordinator since 2023, stepped into the head coaching role with little time to prepare, but quickly asserted command over the team.

Golding’s debut was historic in another sense: it was the first CFP win for an Ole Miss head coach since the program joined the playoff era. Fans and analysts alike noted the contrast between Golding’s success and Kiffin’s inability to reach the same milestone during his tenure in Oxford.

While the victory was decisive, Golding and the Rebels know the journey is far from over. With a quarterfinal matchup against the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs looming on Jan. 1, Ole Miss will need to maintain this level of performance against an elite opponent to stay alive in the postseason.

1. Dominant Offensive Performance

Ole Miss controlled the game from the opening kickoff, building a 17-3 lead by halftime. The Rebels’ offense balanced explosive passing plays with effective rushing attacks, leaving Tulane struggling to respond. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was the centerpiece of the offensive performance. He completed 23 of 29 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown, while also adding six rushes for 36 yards and two scores, highlighting his dual-threat capability. The running game supported Chambliss’s efforts effectively. Kewan Lacy carried 15 times for 87 yards and a touchdown, and Logan Diggs contributed four carries for 11 yards and a score. Their combined ground production kept Tulane’s defense off balance and helped sustain long drives. Ole Miss also found success in the passing game beyond Chambliss’s throws. Deuce Alexander led the receiving corps with seven catches for 87 yards, while De’Zhaun Stribling added five receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. The balanced attack made it nearly impossible for Tulane to adjust defensively.

2. Defensive Control and Big Plays

While the offense drew attention, Ole Miss’s defense set the tone early and maintained dominance throughout the game. Tulane’s attempts to move the ball were limited until garbage-time scoring in the fourth quarter. Golding’s defensive schemes effectively neutralized Tulane’s strengths, forcing the Green Wave into unfavorable down-and-distance situations. The Rebels pressured the quarterback and limited big plays, ensuring Tulane could not mount sustained drives. Key stops by the defensive line and secondary complemented the offense’s dominance. The Rebels’ ability to contain Tulane’s passing and rushing attacks prevented any significant comeback, giving Ole Miss full control of the contest. By halftime, the defensive effort had created a comfortable cushion that allowed the offense to operate aggressively without taking unnecessary risks. Tulane’s single touchdown in the fourth quarter was a minor blemish on an otherwise dominant performance by Ole Miss.

3. Looking Ahead to Georgia

With the win secured, Ole Miss now turns its focus to the CFP quarterfinals against No. 3 Georgia on Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. ET. The Bulldogs represent a significant step up in competition, testing both the offensive and defensive units of the Rebels. Golding’s challenge will be maintaining the balance and execution seen against Tulane while preparing for a defense that is among the nation’s best. The Rebels will need to replicate their big-play ability and limit mistakes against a more disciplined and talented opponent. Quarterback Chambliss and the skill players will be critical, as Georgia will likely try to disrupt timing and force turnovers. The running game and pass protection will need to be consistently strong to sustain drives and keep the Bulldogs’ defense off balance. Ole Miss’s success will also depend on defensive adjustments. Preventing explosive plays and containing Georgia’s top offensive threats will be paramount to advancing further in the CFP. Golding’s ability to prepare his team in the coming weeks will define the Rebels’ postseason trajectory.