What makes you think Ole Miss and LSU won't be in the playoffs? Under the 12-team format, Ole Miss would have made it this year. LSU coaches are always on the heat seat. Just the way it is in Baton Rouge.

From what I've read, Ole Miss fans are thrilled to have a coach who's achieved a 10-win floor two of the last three seasons. And whose name is connected to every opening at well-known P-5 programs. That's a good thing from a recruiting standpoint because Ole Miss just extended Kiffin's contract.

I see five SEC teams making this year's playoffs. Before Saban retired, I would have certainly expected 'Bama to make it; and they still could. Georgia's schedule is much tougher than it was last year, but I still think they are a fave to make it.

The other teams that have a great shot are: Texas (they only play one of the other six contenders); Missouri (they have one of the easier SEC schedules); Ole Miss (they do not play Texas, Alabama or Tennessee and get Oklahoma and Georgia at home); and both Tennessee and LSU.

Oklahoma has to play six of the other contenders and might have the toughest SEC schedule of all.

I'd end by saying that Kiffin has carte blanche right now; Kelly's seat is already warm.

This post was edited on 1/14/24 at 1:04 pm