It has been a tumultuous week in college football, and the power rankings reflect that. Recently, Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin, poised to potentially lead his team to the College Football Playoff for the first time following their best-ever 11-win regular season, has decided to leave for LSU.

This departure has sparked significant debate and raised concerns about the health of college football as a whole. Immediate impacts of Kiffin’s decision remain uncertain. The question arises: How will the College Football Playoff committee perceive Ole Miss in light of his exit? Will they be penalized in the rankings, possibly casting them out of a first-round home game or even elimination from the playoff entirely?

What is clear is that such a rating adjustment based on a head coach’s departure hasn’t happened before, especially for a playoff team like Ole Miss. As we analyze how coaching changes affect these power ratings, it’s crucial to remember that results logged thus far should hold weight, rather than speculative outcomes.

Fornelli’s Preseason Power Ratings have already seen Ole Miss drop from the top 12 due to this significant coaching shift. Kiffin’s resignation illustrates the unpredictability and impact of coach mobility on collegiate athletics.

However, a hypothetical situation shouldn’t overshadow the reality of Ole Miss’s achievements this season. Even with the transition, they have proven their capabilities on the field.

Kiffin’s Departure Image Credit: Getty Images