Why Jon Sumrall said he talks often with Pete Golding ahead of Ole Miss vs Tulane in CFP
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The first-round College Football Playoff game between Ole Miss football and Tulane will bring together two good friends in Pete Golding and Jon Sumrall.
Golding was promoted to Ole Miss coach from defensive coordinator after Lane Kiffin left for LSU. Sumrall has accepted the Florida job but with coach Tulane until the Green Wave‘s season is over.
The first playoff game for either team is Dec. 20 (2:30 p.m., TNT) at Ole Miss.
“I love Pete,” Sumrall said Dec. 15. “Pete and I have kind of zigged and zagged across each other career-wise. … Pete and I have a great friendship, lot of respect. … We talk a decent amount. When his name comes up on my phone, I never want to hit the end button because I like talking to him.”
The first-round game will pit Sumrall’s Green Wave (11-2) against Golding’s Rebels (11-1) in a rematch of the Week 4 contest Ole Miss won 45-10.
The last time the two teams squared off, Golding was Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator. Now he is a head coach for the first time in his career.
“It’s cool. Defensive guys, we’re not sexy. Everybody wants a sexy offensive play caller. That’s what everybody wants,” Sumrall said. “… And for him to get a head job in the SEC right out of the gates is, I think, probably even more unique and rare.”
While Sumrall is happy to see Golding in this position, his presence on the sideline will likely create a challenge for the Green Wave once again.
The 10 points scored against Ole Miss were the least Tulane had all season. The Rebels held Tulane to 282 yards of total offense, and the Green Wave converted on just 6-of-15 third downs.
“He does a lot of really good things,” Tulane offensive coordinator Joe Craddock said. “He’s done it for years. … He does a really good job, very multiple, always keeps you off balance. We’re not going to see the same looks twice, and he does a good job of matching up your stuff, too.”
Part of the Rebels’ limiting defensive performance was holding Tulane to 104 passing yards. The Green Wave were 10-for-29 on pass attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff was pulled in the fourth quarter after going 5-for-17 for 56 yards and rushing for 51 yards.
“I’m expecting a lot of the same because we didn’t play very well,” Retzlaff said. “… Obviously, he’s a dang good coach. That’s why he got elevated over there, and so I’m excited for the opportunity to go play against him.”
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jon Sumrall on Pete Golding ahead of Ole Miss vs Tulane in CFP
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