Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze is staying in Oxford and that's good news for the Rebels. It's the third time time in as many seasons that Freeze received a raise but after leading the program to a 9-3 record, a win over Alabama and spending some time in College Football Playoff contention before finishing third in the SEC West, it's clear progress is being made. Keeping him around is a huge deal for the program, which wants to continue this type of success.
So what does that mean for Florida, which is still trying to fill its head coaching vacancy and showed interest in Freeze? Colorado State coach Jim McElwain appears to be the target. Though 22-16 at Colorado State, McElwain led the Rams to a terrific 10-2 campaign this season, earning Mountain West Conference coach of the year honors. He also has SEC experience from his days as Alabama's offensive coordinator (2008-11). One hurdle to overcome is McElwain's massive buyout, with is $7.5 million. It can be reduced, however, based on "extenuating circumstances."
In the aftermath of Mississippi State's Egg Bowl loss to Ole Miss, Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen said he didn't think the Bulldogs "were getting in the playoff anyway." Could Tuesday's latest College Football Playoff rankings be evidence of that? Mississippi State was already behind Florida State, who beat Florida, and TCU jumped the Seminoles in the rankings, suggesting that the committee believes TCU's résumé is better than Florida State's. It could be argued that had the Bulldogs beat Ole Miss in Oxford, that the strength of that win would justify moving them above the Seminoles, given how much Florida State struggled to beat a mediocre Florida team, but that would mean the committee would consider leaving FSU out of the top four completely, which seems a tad unlikely.
Around the SEC
Alabama, once known for stifling defense, could be characterized as "bend but don't break."
In case you missed it, Bryan Allen -- the man who paidTodd Gurley $400 for autographs -- claims he never meant to hurt Gurley or Georgia.
Kentucky must replace seven key defensive players, led by Za'Darius Smith and Bud Dupree, next year.
If it's a bidding war for Will Muschamp, Auburn has a history of opening its checkbook for assistants.
Tweets of the day
Talk about developing players. Since 2011 #Mizzou has signed 12 players ranked four-stars or higher. #Bama has landed 75 during same period.
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) December 2, 2014
UF AD Jeremy Foley at the home of CSU Rams head coach Jim McElwain presumably discussing #Gators job @TFrei #Gators pic.twitter.com/tLc6IjXKSP
— John Leyba (@Presto89) December 3, 2014
