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Paul Finebaum Names College Football Playoff Contender in a 'Difficult Spot'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 3:23 PM ET

Key Points

No. 8 Ole Miss suffered its first loss of the season at Georgia, 43–35.
QB Trinidad Chambliss accounted for three touchdowns in the defeat.
Paul Finebaum said the Rebels are “in a really difficult spot” heading into Oklahoma.

The 2025 college football season has begun strongly for the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels. However, they are coming off their first loss of the season after falling to the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs 43-35 on the road.

In that game, Ole Miss' offense started strong, scoring a touchdown on its first five possessions. However, it struggled in the later stages, being outscored 17-0 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss had a solid performance, throwing for 263 yards and one touchdown. He also contributed with 42 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns.

Following that loss, ESPN's Paul Finebaum stated on "The Matt Barrie Show" that Ole Miss faces a difficult situation for the remainder of the season.

Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) passes.© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

"They're in a really difficult spot here," Finebaum said. "They go to Oklahoma this week, and that's a team that was in dire straits (Saturday)... To me, it just seems like winning in Norman is going to be problematic for them. Then I think they're schedule is going to be okay. They are in an awkward spot."

As Finebaum noted, the Rebels will be facing the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners on the road this weekend. Oklahoma boasts the top-ranked defense in the country and has one of the best home-field advantages in college football. If Ole Miss can manage to secure a victory in this game, it could signal a positive turn for their season.

The Rebels will only face one team with a winning record for the rest of the year, and that will be the Mississippi State Bulldogs at the end of the season. The Bulldogs hold a record of 4-3, but are 0-3 in the SEC.

Ole Miss’ offense has been among the most balanced in the SEC, averaging 37.4 points per game behind Chambliss’ dual-threat play. However, its defense has struggled to finish games, allowing 510 yards of total offense to Georgia and ranking outside the top 50 nationally in scoring defense.

Saturday’s trip to Oklahoma could serve as a turning point. A win in Norman would restore Ole Miss’ playoff relevance and keep them in contention for the SEC Championship Game. The Rebels and the Sooners kick off at noon ET on ABC on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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