Ole Miss Gains Ground In Latest AP Poll Following Week 12 Chaos

Ole Miss moves up in the AP Poll following Week 12's chaos.

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) reacts during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Ole Miss didn't play on Saturday, but yet it still improved.

While the AP Poll no longer carries weight regarding the College Football Playoff, it's still a promising result for Lane Kiffin and Co. entering the final two weeks of the regular season.

The Rebels moved up one spot in the polls to No. 9 after BYU suffered its first regular season loss against Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Last week, Ole Miss ranked No. 10 following its 28-10 victory over then-No. 2 Georgia.

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Tennessee, which entered the week at No. 7, fell short in a 31-17 loss at Samford Stadium against the Bulldogs, who climbed from No. 11 to No. 8 despite last week's loss to Ole Miss. The Bulldogs also lost to Alabama in Week 5, which came in at No. 7 following its 52-7 win over FCS Mercer.

Ole Miss (8-2) closes out the regular season on the road against Florida before returning for a Black Friday showdown against Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. With a pair of victories, it likely secures the Rebels' spot in the College Football Playoff.

Florida (5-5) continues to get hot at the right time behind freshman quarterback D.J. Lagway and running back Jaden Baugh. In Saturday's 27-16 win over LSU, Lagway completed 50 percent of his passes for 226 yards and a touchdown. Baugh averaged 10.8 yards per run and scored a touchdown to seal a win in Gainesville.

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) breaks a tackle attempt by Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13), after a catch during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Ole Miss is one of six SEC teams inside the top 25 this week. Texas remained at No. 3 following its 20-10 road win over Arkansas, while the Volunteers fell to No. 10. South Carolina, which secured a 34-30 comeback win over Missouri at Williams-Brice Stadium, improved to No. 19.

The next edition of the College Football Playoff Rankings will be released on Tuesday night.