Why Ole Miss football fans are wearing Santa hats for CFP game vs Tulane

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OXFORD — Ole Miss football is ringing in the Christmas spirit during its College Football Playoff game.

The No. 6 seed Rebels (11-1) are hosting No. 6 Tulane (11-2) in the first-round matchup on Dec. 20 (2:30 p.m., TNT) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Every fan found a Santa Claus hat on their seats as they entered the stadium.

Ole Miss announced the game as a sellout. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has a capacity of 64,038. Ole Miss fans are doing a stripe out in the stadium.

The winner of the game will play No. 3 Georgia (12-1) in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 (7 p.m., ESPN) in New Orleans.

This game is a rematch from the regular season. The Rebels beat the Green Wave 45-10 on Sept. 20 in Oxford.

MORE: What story Archie Manning told Ole Miss football before CFP game vs Tulane

However, both teams are in unique coaching situations. Lane Kiffin, who was the Ole Miss coach, left for LSU after the regular season. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding was promoted. Tulane coach Jon Sumrall was hired by Florida, but will coach the Green Wave through the CFP.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss football fans wearing Santa hats for CFP game vs Tulane

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