I don't think you can look at the ESPN early bowl projections and draw any conclusion about the record. With the way that the SEC has grouped their bowls together, you can't assume that because the Rebels are playing in the Gator Bowl means that they had an 8 win season. It is my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) that the Outback, Gator, Liberty, Belk, and Music City bowls are all considered the same third level bowl.
Tier 1: Sugar Bowl
Tier 2: Citrus Bowl
Tier 3: Outback, Music City, Belk, Liberty, Gator
Tier 4: Texas, Independence
Tier 5: Birmingham
That being the case, Ole Miss could have a ten win season and still play in the Gator Bowl. Should Bama and Auburn finish 11-1, Ole MIss 10-2, maybe an east team such as Tennessee finish 11-1 then Ole Miss could finish in the Gator Bowl. Also, one can't assume that because LSU is projected to the Outback Bowl and Ole Miss is projected to the Gator Bowl that LSU finishes with a better record. The SEC office matches up those Tier 3 bowls. They are not determined by record. For that matter, Ole MIss could have a 9 win season and the SEC match the Rebels up in the Liberty Bowl.
Tier 1: Sugar Bowl
Tier 2: Citrus Bowl
Tier 3: Outback, Music City, Belk, Liberty, Gator
Tier 4: Texas, Independence
Tier 5: Birmingham
That being the case, Ole Miss could have a ten win season and still play in the Gator Bowl. Should Bama and Auburn finish 11-1, Ole MIss 10-2, maybe an east team such as Tennessee finish 11-1 then Ole Miss could finish in the Gator Bowl. Also, one can't assume that because LSU is projected to the Outback Bowl and Ole Miss is projected to the Gator Bowl that LSU finishes with a better record. The SEC office matches up those Tier 3 bowls. They are not determined by record. For that matter, Ole MIss could have a 9 win season and the SEC match the Rebels up in the Liberty Bowl.
