On a chilly (by Florida standards) late-November afternoon, the Florida defense dominated in the grandest moments. Ninth-ranked Ole Miss entered the contest with the Gators leading the Southeastern Conference in scoring (40.7 points per game) and near the top of the national standings in multiple categories.

Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3 SEC) fell to Florida 24-17 in Gainesville, likely knocking the Rebels out of the College Football Playoff conversation. Ole Miss was 3-of-14 on third downs and 2-of-4 on fourth downs and failed to score a touchdown while in the red zone on the afternoon.

Those complementary elements conspired to create a seismic shakeup of the playoff landscape. Florida’s 24-17 upset of No. 9 Ole Miss clinched a bowl berth for the hosts (6-5, 4-4 SEC) and knocked the Rebels (8-3, 4-3) from playoff contention.