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4 hours ago
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An ESPN analyst is calling for changes to the College Football Playoff format after the Ole Miss Rebels dominated the Tulane Green Wave 41-10 in a first-round matchup Saturday night.
The No. 6 seed Rebels scored early and often, building a 41-3 lead into the fourth quarter before Tulane added a late touchdown. The result reignited a long-running debate over whether multiple Group of Five teams belong in the expanded College Football Playoff field.
During the broadcast, Jesse Palmer urged the sport to reconsider how many Group of Five programs are included.
“I’m all about inclusivity and I’m fine with one Group of Five team making it into the 12-team playoff,” Palmer said . “That team deserved to be Tulane. But as a fan, I want to see the other 11 teams that have a legitimate chance of winning a national championship.”
Palmer pointed to traditional powers left out of this year’s field, including Notre Dame Fighting Irish, while questioning whether multiple Group of Five teams can realistically contend for the title.
Tulane was one of two Group of Five teams to make the playoff, joining James Madison Dukes, which faces Oregon Ducks later Saturday. A similar result would likely amplify calls for reform.
The debate is not new. But given how this year's field was constructed with Notre Dame out, there are many calling for different results. With Ole Miss’ dominant performance, Palmer’s comments add another high-profile voice to the growing push for CFP changes.
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