Cayden Lee expresses thoughts on Rebels’ CFP ranking, status of Tre Harris, and Florida defense
OXFORD, Miss. – The College Football Playoff committee released its rankings this week, putting Ole Miss at the No. 9 spot, one in front of Georgia and one behind Miami. After witnessing the committee place Georgia behind Ole Miss, it is clear the Rebels have earned themselves a level of respect that will guarantee them a playoff spot if they win their last two games.
🚫🐀☠️@CFBPlayoff | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/L6YGXaINmI
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) November 20, 2024
As wide receiver Cayden Lee explained in yesterday’s press conference, there’s no doubt the team enjoys getting proper recognition, but they completely understand that none of it matters if they don’t finish the season on a high note.
“The rankings are cool, but at the end of the day, we could be ranked No. 1 in the country and then go out and lose, so it doesn’t matter. The only ranking that matters is the one at the end of the year.“
– Cayden Lee on the CFP ranks
Furthermore, Lee opened up on the fact that despite facing pressure to win out, the team had to grow accustomed to that feeling since their loss in Death Valley on October 12th.
“We know that we control our own destiny, but we also know every game really is a playoff game. With three losses, you can’t really do a lot with that anymore. Every game is a playoff game, every day we have to come in and work, and we just have to keep working.“
– Lee on the mindset of the team
Following the second bye week of the year, Lane Kiffin explained to the media that this may be the healthiest his squad has been all season long, which could include a return from the SEC’s leader in receiving yards, Tre Harris.
Though Harris’ presence was missed by Jaxson Dart and the Rebel offense, they did an incredible job spreading out the ball and allowing other receivers to get receptions during the receiver’s time out. As it stands, every starting receiver and tight end has 15 receptions or more and is averaging at least 10 yards per catch. Lee says that when Harris returns, the offense has the potential to take another step closer to greatness.
Four WRs with at least 500 yards 🎯
(rounding up, deal with it) #ComeToTheSip pic.twitter.com/tlmQIoHPSB
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) November 11, 2024
“Yeah, you know Tre’s a great player, we all know that. We just had to keep what was going, and we couldn’t fall off because we wouldn’t be in the position that we are now. I feel like the offense is in a really good position, and when Tre comes back, I feel like it’s going to make us even better.“
– Lee on the the impact of Tre Harris
On top of Tre’s return, Kiffin mentioned that several players had the chance to recover their damaged bodies over the weekend, including JJ Pegues, Walter Nolen, and Cayden Lee. Over the bye week, Lee did just that by traveling to Florida to seek additional medical treatment.
“I’m feeling a lot better than I was. I’m dealing with a couple of things. The bye gave me some time to get some rest, massages, and some work with some people down in Florida, so I feel pretty good.“
– Lee on the status of his health
To finish up his press conference, Cayden briefly spoke on the challenges presented by an aggressive Florida defense, which recorded seven sacks last week against LSU.
“Their defensive line, they have a really impressive defensive line. They play with a lot of confidence, they were the superior team (vs. LSU), and they felt like they could win that game, so we have to go in strong.”
– Lee on the Gator defense
Up Next:
This Saturday, Ole Miss versus Florida will kickoff at 11 a.m. and be broadcast on the ABC network. Until then, be sure to stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all of your Ole Miss sports needs.
