Lane Kiffin’s antics hurt his case as Insider breaks down Alabama and Ole Miss’ playoff chances

Is it better to let your work speak for itself, or should you be loud when the stakes are high? For the Ole Miss Rebels head coach, Lane Kiffinit is clearly the latter. Right now, it might be his only chance to make the playoffs. With only one playoff spot left and Alabama standing in his way, Kiffin turned to X to make the case for why his Rebels deserve the nod. But not everyone believes Lane Kiffin’s call for justice, especially not this college football insider. Meanwhile, Alabama’s quieter confidence and legacy could seal their ticket. So who really deserves it: the rebels or the flood?

On December 3rd, Joel Klatt, the no-nonsense analyst, joined The next round podcast and threw some shade at Kiffin’s politics.’ Joel Klatt didn’t hold back at all when asked about the playoff race between these two SEC heavyweights. “You know, Alabama and Old Miss, but I think I could be wrong. I think Alabama will get the nod as long as SMU (Mustangs) wins. Who do I think should go to? I don’t know, I’m guessing Alabama because I hate Lane Kiffin’s politics.” Ouch! For Klatt, Alabama’s resume speaks louder than any tweet thread. Sure, the Tide hasn’t been perfect – far from it – since Nick Saban retired. But when it comes to reputation, they should certainly get involved.

Klatt also pointed out a crucial factor: The No. 9-ranked SMU Mustangs take care of business against No. 12 Clemson in the ACC title game this weekend. Then Clemson would be out of the playoffs and Dabo Swinney would find himself in the hot seat . That would simplify things and open the playoff door wide for either Alabama or Ole Miss. But as Klatt suggested, Alabama’s name recognition and postseason pedigree will likely be the deciding factors. Lane Kiffin’s tweets? Not so much.

Bama or Ole Miss: Who deserves it more?

At the heart of this debate is the question of age: Is the playoffs about meritocracy or about brand power? Lane Kiffin made his case on X, posting: “Obviously Ole Miss should play Alabama in the playoffs, but Bama is the bigger brand and will most likely play Ole Miss.” And he’s not entirely wrong. Statistically, Ole Miss was more impressive in key areas. Better point differentials – 13 to Alabama’s -33 in combined operations. If we compare the Georgia game, Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss won by 18 points while Bama won by 7 points. And they earned a 27-3 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners that Alabama can’t boast about.

But Bama head coach Kalen DeBoer has his own argument. “Everyone knows our schedule. I know we beat four top-25 teams. And I don’t know how many, if any, did that.” DeBoer noted. Ole Miss has just 2 wins against ranked teams, while the Roll Tide has 4 Ws over the top 25. While the Tide have shown good results this season, their high-profile wins and culture still resonate. Add to that the SEC’s tendency to favor heavyweights and it’s easy to see why Bama has the edge.

If it were just about the numbers, Ole Miss might have a stronger argument in front of the football court. But college football has never been just about stats — it’s a mix of narrative, legacy and, yes, a little politics. Alabama’s reputation and history in the playoffs could outweigh Ole Miss’ statistical dominance. Lane Kiffin can campaign all he wants, but the Tide could still roll into the playoffs. For Ole Miss, the lesson is clear: Sometimes the louder you yell, the less people listen.